Curvature-mediated rapid extravasation and penetration of nanoparticles against interstitial fluid pressure for improved drug delivery.

Elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) within pathological tissues (e.g., tumors, obstructed kidneys, and cirrhotic livers) creates a significant hindrance to the transport of nanomedicine, ultimately impairing the therapeutic efficiency. Among these tissues, solid tumors present the most challenging scenario. While several strategies through reducing tumor IFP have been devised to enhance nanoparticle delivery, few approaches focus on modulating the intrinsic properties of nanoparticles to effectively counteract IFP during extravasation and penetration, which are precisely the stages obstructed by elevated IFP. Herein, we propose an innovative solution by engineering nanoparticles with a fusiform shape of high curvature, enabling efficient surmounting of IFP barriers during extravasation and penetration within tumor tissues. Through experimental and theoretical analyses, we demonstrate that the elongated nanoparticles with the highest mean curvature outperform spherical and rod-shaped counterparts against elevated IFP, leading to superior intratumoral accumulation and antitumor efficacy. Super-resolution microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations uncover the underlying mechanisms in which the high curvature contributes to diminished drag force in surmounting high-pressure differentials during extravasation. Simultaneously, the facilitated rotational movement augments the hopping frequency during penetration. This study effectively addresses the limitations posed by high-pressure impediments, uncovers the mutual interactions between the physical properties of NPs and their environment, and presents a promising avenue for advancing cancer treatment through nanomedicine.

Extravasation and infiltration: under-recognised complications of intravenous therapy.

Occasionally, the administration of intravenous (IV) therapies can go wrong. Infiltration or extravasation is a complication when a drug or IV therapy leaks into the tissues surrounding the vascular access device. Extravasation can cause serious and often life-changing injuries. Extravasation is often associated with systemic anti-cancer therapy but non-chemotherapy drugs have been reported as having a greater risk of serious complications. This study outlines the first UK Infusion unit evaluation of the ivWatch infusion monitoring device which was undertaken from August 2023 to January 2024. Out of 2254 infusions monitored with ivWatch, the device prevented 122 cases of infiltration and extravasation from causing any harm to the patient, corresponding to a 5.4% 'check IV' notification rate.

Risk Factors for Contrast Media Extravasation in Intravenous Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: An Observational Cohort Study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the risk factors for contrast media (CM) extravasation and provide effective guidance for reducing its incidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We observed adult inpatients (n = 38 281) who underwent intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. Risk factors for CM extravasation were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the 38 281 inpatients who underwent enhanced computed tomography angiography, 3885 received peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) and 34 396 received peripheral short catheters. In 3885 cases of PICCs, no CM extravasation occurred, but in five cases, ordinary PICCs that are unable to withstand high pressure were mistakenly used; three of those patients experienced catheter rupture, and eventually, all five patients underwent unplanned extubation. Among 34 396 cases of peripheral short catheters, 224 (0.65%) had CM extravasation. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.541, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111-2.137), diabetes (OR=2.265, 95% CI: 1.549-3.314), venous thrombosis (OR=2.157, 95% CI: 1.039-4.478), multi-site angiography (OR=9.757, CI: 6.803-13.994), and injection rate ≥ 3 mL/s (OR=6.073, 95% CI: 4.349-8.481) were independent risk factors for CM extravasation. Due to peripheral vascular protection measures in patients with malignant tumor, there was a low incidence of CM extravasation (OR=0.394, 95% CI: 0.272-0.570). CONCLUSION: Main risk factors for CM extravasation are female, diabetes, venous thrombosis, multi-site angiography, and injection rate ≥ 3 mL/s. However, patients with malignant tumor have a low incidence of CM extravasation. CLINICAL IMPACT: Analysis of these risk factors can help reduce the incidence of CM extravasation.

GEDEFO-SEFH management of antineoplastic extravasations survey results.

INTRODUCTION: Extravasation is a potentially severe complication of intravenous administration of antineoplastic drugs. The limited data makes it difficult to develop an optimal management scheme. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical practice in the extravasation management of antineoplastic agents in Spanish centers. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to oncology pharmacists using the email distribution list of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Respondents were surveyed on the standard operational protocol (SOP) of extravasation, tissue damage risk classification, and specific measures of extravasation management. RESULTS: A total of 68 surveys were completed. A specific extravasation SOP was available in 82.4% centers. The pharmacist participates in the authorship (100%) and actively collaborates in extravasation management (76.5%). A tissue damage risk classification based on the three categories was mostly adopted (48.2%) and 73.2% applied specific criteria based on concentration and/or extravasated volume. Extravasation management was mainly performed with the application of physical measures and/or antidotes (91.2%). High variability in the choices of pharmacological and/or physical measures recommended is outstanding. CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight the involvement of Spanish pharmacists in extravasation management, the application of physical measures and/or pharmacological measures as the method of choice in extravasation management, as well as the existing discrepancies in tissue damage risk classification and management recommendations.

Association of Contrast Extravasation Grade With Massive Transfusion in Pediatric Blunt Liver and Spleen Injuries: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess whether the grade of contrast extravasation (CE) on CT scans was associated with massive transfusion (MT) requirements in pediatric blunt liver and/or spleen injuries (BLSI). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients (≤16 years old) who sustained BLSI between 2008 and 2019. MT was defined as transfusion of all blood products ≥40 mL/kg within the first 24 h of admission. Associations between CE and MT requirements were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis with cluster-adjusted robust standard errors to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR). RESULTS: A total of 1407 children (median age: 9 years) from 83 institutions were included in the analysis. Overall, 199 patients (14 %) received MT. CT on admission revealed that 54 patients (3.8 %) had CE within the subcapsular hematoma, 100 patients (7.1 %) had intraparenchymal CE, and 86 patients (6.1 %) had CE into the peritoneal cavity among the overall cohort. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, sex, age-adjusted shock index, injury severity, and laboratory and imaging factors, showed that intraparenchymal CE and CE into the peritoneal cavity were significantly associated with the need for MT (AOR: 2.50; 95 % CI, 1.50-4.16 and AOR: 4.98; 95 % CI, 2.75-9.02, respectively both p < 0.001). The latter significant association persisted in the subgroup of patients with spleen and liver injuries. CONCLUSION: Active CE into the free peritoneal cavity on admission CT was independently associated with a greater probability of receiving MT in pediatric BLSI. The CE grade may help clinicians plan blood transfusion strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4; Therapeutic/Care management.

Contrast media extravasation injury: a prospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for moderate and severe contrast media extravasation and provide effective guidance to reduce the degree of extravasation injuries. METHODS: We observed 224 adult patients who underwent contrast media extravasation at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, and Xiangya Changde Hospital, Hunan Province between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022. Risk factors for moderate extravasation injuries were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 224 patients, 0 (0%) had severe, 18 (8.0%) had moderate, and 206 (92.0%) had mild contrast media extravasation injury. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed malignant tumors (odds ratio [OR] = 6.992, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.674-29.208), Iohexol (OR = 9.343, 95% CI 1.280-68.214), large-volume (> 50 mL) extravasation (OR = 5.773, 95% CI 1.350‒24.695), and injection site (back of the hand) (OR = 13.491, 95% CI 3.056-59.560) as independent risk factors for moderate injury. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for moderate contrast media extravasation injury are malignant tumors, iohexol, large-volume (> 50 mL) extravasation, and back-of-the-hand injection. Analysis of these risk factors can help reduce the degree of injury after extravasation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: High-risk patients with extravasation support should choose the appropriate contrast media type, avoiding back-of-the-hand injections. We recommend that patients with cancer be implanted with a high-pressure resistant central venous catheter and receive effective measures to timely detect and reduce extravasation.

Percepção do enfermeiro sobre os cuidados relacionados ao extravasamento de drogas antineoplásicas / Percepción de profesionales de enfermería sobre los cuidados relacionados con la extravasación de medicamentos antineoplásicos / Perception of the nursing professional about the care related to extravasation of antineoplastic drugs

Introdução: O uso de quimioterapias antineoplásicas atuando a nível celular com objetivo de tratar as neoplasias malignas, pode levar ao surgimento da toxicidade dermatológica, ocasionada pelo extravasamento, que consiste em um dano tecidual decorrente da infiltração, por via endovenosa, dos quimioterápicos aos tecidos circunvizinhos do local puncionado, necessitando de uma atuação profissional rápida e efetiva para evitar desfechos desfavoráveis para o paciente. Objetivo: Compreender a percepção do enfermeiro sobre os cuidados relacionados ao extravasamento de drogas antineoplásicas. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de campo, descritivo-exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com quinze enfermeiros que atuam no ambulatório e enfermarias da oncologia adulto de uma instituição hospitalar filantrópica localizada em Recife/Pernambuco, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados entre janeiro e dezembro de 2020 através de entrevista e passaram por análise de conteúdo temática-categorial. Resultados: Emergiram duas categorias. Cuidados preventivos: da identificação dos fatores de riscos à educação do paciente e equipe de saúde; Cuidados diretos: da identificação da ocorrência ao gerenciamento institucional do evento. Conclusão: Compreendeu-se que a percepção do enfermeiro destaca a importância do planejamento da assistência, incluindo a intervenção imediata, o registro do evento e o acompanhamento do paciente após o extravasamento, como forma de realizar um cuidado especializado e com maior segurança.

Introducción: El uso de quimioterapias antineoplásicas que actúan a nivel celular con el objetivo de tratar neoplasias malignas puede conducir a la aparición de toxicidad dermatológica. Esta es causada por extravasación, que consiste en daño tisular producto de la infiltración, por vía endovenosa, de los agentes quimioterápicos a los tejidos circundantes del sitio de punción. Lo anterior, requiere una actuación profesional rápida y eficaz para evitar resultados desfavorables para la persona. Objetivo: Comprender la percepción de profesionales de enfermería sobre el cuidado relacionado con la extravasación de fármacos antineoplásicos. Método: Se trata de un estudio de campo descriptivo-exploratorio con abordaje cualitativo, realizado con quince personas enfermeras que actúan en las salas de oncología de población adulta y ambulatoria de un hospital filantrópico ubicado en Recife/Pernambuco, Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados entre enero y diciembre de 2020, a través de entrevistas y fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido por categorías temáticas. Resultados: Emergieron dos categorías: atención preventiva (desde la identificación de factores de riesgo hasta la educación de la persona y del equipo de salud) y atención directa (desde la identificación de la ocurrencia hasta la gestión institucional del evento). Conclusión: Se entendió que la percepción de la persona profesional de enfermería destaca la importancia de la planificación del cuidado, incluyendo la intervención inmediata, el registro de eventos y el seguimiento después de la extravasación, como forma de realizar cuidados especializados y con mayor seguridad.

Introduction: The use of antineoplastic chemotherapies acting at the cellular level with the aim of treating malignant neoplasms can lead to the emergence of dermatological toxicity caused by extravasation. This toxicity consists of tissue damage resulting from the infiltration, by intravenous route, of the chemotherapeutic agents to the surrounding tissues, requiring quick and effective professional action to avoid unfavorable outcomes for the patient. Objective: To understand the nurses' perception of care related to extravasation of antineoplastic drugs. Method: This is a descriptive-exploratory field study with a qualitative approach; it was carried out with fifteen nurses who work in the outpatient and adult oncology wards of a philanthropic hospital located in Recife/Pernambuco, Brazil. Data were collected between January and December 2020 through interviews and underwent thematic-category content analysis. Results: Two categories emerged: Preventive Care: from the identification of risk factors to the patient and health team education; and Direct Care: from the identification of the occurrence to the institutional management of the event. Conclusion: It was understood that the nurse's perception highlights the importance of care planning, including immediate intervention, event registration, and patient follow-up after extravasation, to perform specialized care and with greater safety.

Extravasation of Noncytotoxic Agents: Skin Injury and Risk Classification.

Extravasations are common manifestations of iatrogenic injuries associated with intravenous therapy. Cytotoxic agents are already subject to a relatively well-defined management strategy in healthcare institutions and classified into three groups according to the extent of damage from extravasation: vesicants, irritants, and non-tissue-damaging agents. Therefore, careful monitoring and initial treatment according to the severity of the skin injury decreases the incidence of extravasation injury. In contrast, high osmolarity, acidic or alkaline, and/or vasoconstrictive activity have all been suggested as possible causes of tissue injury due to the extravasation of noncytotoxic agents. However, the severity of the injuries has not been classified. Therefore, due to a lack of awareness, case reports of severe extravasation injury caused by noncytotoxic agents are increasing. In this paper, we review case reports and animal experiments and classify the severity of extravasation injury by noncytotoxic agents into three categories. Parallel to cytotoxic agents, the classification provides appropriate warning of possible injury severity, helping medical personnel better understand the severity of tissue damage and prevent injury severity during extravasation.

Extent of extravasation: Patients on parenteral plant alkaloids.

BACKGROUND: Plant alkaloids remain an essential part of many chemotherapeutic regimens. Although many adverse effects have been studied with appropriate management guidelines, extravasation (EV) is one adverse event that is yet to be studied at a regional scale to frame population-specific guidelines. METHODOLOGY: A hospital-based observational study was done for 1 year to understand the extent of extravasation among patients on parenteral plant alkaloids. Clinical pharmacists congregated information about patients satisfying the study criteria. The incidence of EV injuries associated with parenteral plant alkaloids was assessed. The severity was scored using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.3. The ESMO-EONS guidelines were followed for the classification of chemotherapeutic agents as well as management of the incidents of EV. RESULTS: Among the 80 patients recruited into the study, 26.25% of patients experienced EV injuries, of which 66.67% were grade 2 and 33.33% were grade 3. Females were prevalent at 62% among the injured group. Patients in the age group 31-50 years and 51-60 years sustained 28.57% of the injuries each. In 76.19% of injured patients, ambulation status was positive during the infusion. ESMO-EONS drug classification showed that 54.84% of the drugs prescribed were vesicants. Paclitaxel was seen in 33.33% of prescriptions in the injured group, among other plant alkaloids. CONCLUSION: Our study saw a trend of vesicant-induced extravasation injury among patients prescribed parenteral chemotherapeutic regimens with a combination of plant alkaloids, indicating the significant risk they may pose.

Paclitaxel extravasation treated with systemic corticosteroids.

Chemotherapy extravasation is a rare but severe cutaneous complication associated with administration of intravenous chemotherapy. Extravasation causes serious disability and diminishes the quality of life in patients with cancer undergoing antineoplastic therapy. Treatment of chemotherapy extravasation is not standardized. We report a patient with paclitaxel extravasation who was successfully treated with corticosteroids.

European Pediatric Surgeons' Association Survey on the Use of Splenic Embolization in Blunt Splenic Trauma in Children.

INTRODUCTION: This article assesses (1) access to splenic embolization (SE), (2) indications for SE, and (3) post-embolization management in high-grade splenic trauma in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent in 2021 to all members of European Pediatric Surgeons' Association. RESULTS: There were a total of 157 responses (50 countries, 83% academic hospitals). Among them, 68% have access to SE (SE) and 32% do not (nSE). For a hemodynamic stable patient with high-grade isolated splenic trauma without contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography (CT) scan, 99% SE and 95% nSE respondents use nonoperative management (NOM). In cases with CE, NOM decreases to 50% (p = 0.01) and 51% (p = 0.007) in SE and nSE centers, respectively. SE respondents report a significant reduction of NOM in stable patients with an associated spine injury requiring urgent surgery in prone position, both without and with CE (90 and 28%, respectively). For these respondents, in stable patients the association of a femur fracture only tends to decrease the NOM, both without and with CE (93 and 39%, respectively). There was no significant difference in NOM in group nSE with associated injuries with or without CE. After proximal SE with preserved spleen vascularization on ultrasound Doppler, 44% respondents prescribe antibiotics and/or immunizations. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of respondents have access to SE. For SE respondents, SE is used even in stable patients when CE showed on initial CT scan and its use increased with the concomitant need for spinal surgery. There is currently a variation in the use of SE and antibiotics/immunizations following SE.

Elaboração e implantação de protocolo de infiltração e extravasamento de antineoplásicos em acesso venoso central / Elaboración e implementación de un protocolo para la infiltración y extravación de antineoplásicos en el acceso venoso central / Elaboration and implementation of a protocol for infiltration and extravassion of antineoplastics in central venous access

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência na elaboração e implantação do protocolo de extravasamento e infiltração de antineoplásicos em acesso venoso central. Método: estudo descritivo, tipo relato de experiência realizado de fevereiro a maio de 2021. Resultados: Após a busca de evidências na literatura, foi elaborado um fluxograma referente aos cuidados de enfermagem realizados durante e após o extravasamento/infiltração. Além das medidas iniciais padronizou-se o uso da hialuronidase tópica e da fotobiomodulação (1 a 3 joules, com potência de 100 miliwats). A área deveria ser demarcada e se possível fotografada. Após a validação do protocolo por um grupo de enfermeiros especialistas e pelo escritório de qualidade, foi implantado em um Ambulatório de Oncologia de Hospital Público do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Conclusão: Apesar de raro, o extravasamento em acesso central pode acontecer e a equipe precisa de um protocolo assistencial para padronizar a conduta e garantir o sucesso da terapêutica.(AU)

Objective: To report the experience in the elaboration and implementation of the protocol for extravasation and infiltration of anticancer drugs in central venous access. Method: descriptive study, experience report type carried out from February to May 2021. Results: After searching for evidence in the literature, a flowchart was created referring to the nursing care performed during and after the extravasation/infiltration. In addition to the initial measurements, the use of topical hyaluronidase and photobiomodulation (1 to 3 joules, with a potency of 100 milliwatts) was standardized. The area should be demarcated and, if possible, photographed. After validation of the protocol by a group of specialist nurses and by the quality office, it was implemented in an Oncology Outpatient Clinic of a Public Hospital in the interior of the State of São Paulo. Conclusion: Although rare, extravasation in central access can happen and the team needs a care protocol to standardize the conduct and ensure the success of the therapy.(AU)

Objetivo: Informar la experiencia en la elaboración e implementación del protocolo de extravasación e infiltración de fármacos antineoplásicos en acceso venoso central. Método: estudio descriptivo, tipo relato de experiencia realizado de febrero a mayo de 2021. Resultados: Después de la búsqueda de evidencias en la literatura, se elaboró un diagrama de flujo sobre los cuidados de enfermería realizados durante y después de la extravasación/infiltración. Además de las mediciones iniciales, se estandarizó el uso de hialuronidasa tópica y fotobiomodulación (1 a 3 julios, con una potencia de 100 milivatios). El área debe ser delimitada y, si es posible, fotografiada. Después de la validación del protocolo por un grupo de enfermeros especialistas y por la oficina de calidad, fue implantado en un Ambulatorio de Oncología de un Hospital Público del interior del Estado de São Paulo. Conclusión: aunque rara, la extravasación en el acceso central puede ocurrir y el equipo necesita un protocolo de atención para estandarizar la conducta y garantizar el éxito de la terapia.(AU)

CHEMOTHERAPY HAZARDS: ANTHRACYCLINE EXTRAVASATION INTO PLEURAL SPACE.

The extravasation of doxorubicin, a cytostatic from the anthracycline group, is a rare and feared complication of intravenous chemotherapy due to tissue toxicity of these drugs. We describe a case of a 64-year-old woman with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide using a tunneled central catheter. After a chemotherapy cycle, the patient developed cough, dyspnoea and chest pain, due to a pleural effusion secondary to cytostatic leakage. A pleural drainage was placed and dexrazoxone was administred with resolution of the condition. The authors wish to highlight that the use of dexrazoxone should be considered after intra-pleural extravasation of anthracyclines given its effectiveness in preventing tissue damage and long-term sequelae in peripheral extravasation.

Chemotherapy extravasation injuries beyond the immediate stage: A series of 15 cases treated according to a preset surgical algorithm based on time of presentation.

Chemotherapy extravasation can cause severe harm. There is a lack of evidence-based standardization on the surgical management of such injuries beyond the immediate stage. In an algorithm connecting presentation time post-injury with surgical treatment could help standardize future treatment. This study prospectively validated a preset standardized surgical algorithm based on presentation time in a consecutive series between October 2017 and October 2020. Chemotherapeutic agent, site and extent of injury, type of surgery and outcome at a minimum of 6 months' follow-up were collected. Seven thousand six hundred twelve individuals received chemotherapy during that period; 15 patients suffered extravasation injuries, 2 of whom were referred from outside our hospital. This algorithm distinguished: A) beyond the immediate stage and up to 2 days, treated with saline subcutaneous washout (SCWO) and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressing; B) 2 to 5 days, open surgical decompression and VAC dressing; C) 5 to 10 days, non-operative management with surveillance; and D) more than 10 days, radical necrotic excision with or without VAC dressing and tissue reconstruction. In 2 patients in Group A and 3 patients in Group B, all vesicant symptoms resolved. Five of the 6 patients in Group C (3 vesicant, 3 non-vesicant) did not progress into necrosis or infection, and 1 case of vesicant extravasation progressed to a localized ulcer beyond this period and, as surgery was refused, led to a chronic ulcer with stiffness; 2 cases of non-vesicant extravasation developed a recall phenomenon but resolved after the third cycle. Of the 4 patients in Group D, all vesicant, 2 were treated with no complications, 1 had complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) due to late presentation, and 1, referred with necrotizing fasciitis, underwent above-elbow amputation but died due to septic shock. This study demonstrated a uniform surgical approach in a series of 15 cases; larger studies are still needed to validate the efficacy of this protocol in reducing morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Association between subcutaneous steroid injection for extravasation of vesicant anticancer drugs and skin ulcers requiring surgery.

PURPOSE: Although subcutaneous steroid injections are conventionally used to treat extravasation of vesicant anticancer drugs, their effects on the extravasation site remain unclear. We investigated the association between subcutaneous steroid injection in patients with extravasation of vesicant anticancer drugs and incidence of skin ulcers requiring surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database. We identified patients with extravasation of vesicant anticancer drugs who were prescribed steroid ointment or cream on the same day as vesicant drug use between July 2010 and March 2019. The exposure group consisted of patients who had received subcutaneous steroid injections and local anesthetic in addition to topical steroids, whereas the control group had received topical steroids alone. The outcome was the incidence of skin surgical procedures during hospitalization. We performed a mixed-effect logistic regression analysis with random intercept for each hospital to compare outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: We identified 7284 patients from 704 hospitals, including 3713 patients who had received topical steroids alone and 3571 who had received subcutaneous steroid injection in addition to topical steroids. According to mixed-effect logistic regression analysis, subcutaneous steroid injection was significantly associated with a higher incidence of skin surgery (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.26; P = 0.007). Barthel Index, type of cancer, and type of vesicant drugs were also associated with surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous steroid injections after extravasation of vesicant anticancer drugs are associated with more frequent skin surgery. Randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of steroid injection.

Extravascular Dispersion of Polyvinyl Alcohol Microsphere Particles in Uterine Artery Embolization.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a common minimally invasive treatment of different uterine pathologies, such as fibroids, adenomyosis, and menorrhagia. The procedure involves the injection of embolic agents into the uterine arteries, whereby various particles can be used, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Complication of UAE is the dispersion of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microsphere particles in the uterine body which can lead to a granular vaginal discharge. We report the management of complications of PVA microspheres dispersed from the uterine body causing postprocedural discomfort due to the vaginal passage of microspheres or because of an induced fibroid-size enlargement. The dispersion of the PVA microspheres is one example of a minor UAE complication, which nevertheless causes significant distress to the patient and eventfully requires further surgical interventions.