Efficacy and safety of embolo-sclerotherapy of arteriovenous malformations with foam sodium tetradecyl sulphate.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of embolo-sclerotherapy (EST) particularly with foamed sclerotherapy in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). METHODS: All patients with AVM who underwent interventional therapy i.e. EST from January 1st, 2015 - December 31st, 2019 were identified through a prospective database. Types of AVM were classified according to Schobinger's classification. The outcome measures assessed efficacy and complications. The former was divided into four groups: no response, mild response, moderate response, and complete response. Complications were defined as any tissue or functional damage, distal embolization or tissue reaction. Continuous variables were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) F test and discrete variables were analysed using χ2 tests. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were included. There was no statistical difference amongst the volume of foam STS 3% or alcohol used across all types of AVM. Overall, majority of patients (86.2%) reported some degree of improvement following interventional therapy. Six (9.2%) patients experienced complications including necrosis and amputation. The proportions of complication were significantly different across the categories (P=0.009). Patients with type III AVM seemed to report more complications than others. CONCLUSIONS: Foam sclerotherapy was clinically effective and safe for patients with AVM. This study showed that foam sclerotherapy with STS 3% provided a safe and efficacious alternative sclerosant to ethanol despite it was not often reported to be used to treat AVM. However, a combination of embolic agents is likely required to treat type IV AVMs.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of the effectiveness of sclerotherapy for venous malformation.

OBJECTIVE: Sclerotherapy for venous malformation has been widely used; however, no guidelines are available to assess the effectiveness of different sclerotherapy agents. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of sclerotherapy agents for venous malformations. METHODS: Three electronic databases were searched from their inception (1950) to April 29, 2021. Studies comparing the effectiveness of different sclerotherapy agents were included. The risk of bias within and across studies was assessed. Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted, followed by a network meta-analysis. We also assessed inconsistency and publishing bias using various approaches. RESULTS: Seven studies with 547 patients in six arms were included in the present study. We defined the response and complete response as two separate outcomes. Significant differences were observed in four comparisons with respect to the response (ethanol vs bleomycin, ethanol vs polidocanol, ethanol vs sodium tetradecyl sulfate, polidocanol vs sodium tetradecyl sulfate). No statistically significant differences were found in the other comparisons. The evidence network revealed that for the response outcome, ethanol ranked first, followed by pingyangmycin, polidocanol, sodium morrhuate, bleomycin, and, finally, sodium tetradecyl sulfate. For the complete response outcome, pingyangmycin had the best results, followed by sodium morrhuate, polidocanol, ethanol, bleomycin, and, finally, sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Major complications, such as facial nerve palsy, serious local swelling, and necrosis, had occurred mostly in the ethanol group and rarely in the other groups. Because of the limited data, no further analysis of major complications was conducted. Our confidence in the comparisons and rankings was low. We found no verified inconsistency or publishing bias in the present study using the existing approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol showed a significantly better response statistically compared with the other agents. However, ethanol had also resulted in the highest incidence of complications. Pingyangmycin showed the second-best response, best complete response, and a low rate of complications, respectively. Overall, pingyangmycin achieved excellent performance and balance in terms of the different outcomes. However, they could not be adequately recommended from the available data. More superior trials, especially randomized controlled trials, are needed in the future.

Factors Affecting Adverse Events after Venous Malformation Sclerotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors that contribute to adverse events (AEs) after embolization of venous malformations (VMs) using sclerosing agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent direct puncture embolization of VMs with a sclerosing agent and adjunctive techniques, also termed as sclerotherapy, from 2016 to 2021 was performed. Three-hundred one embolizations in 137 patients (median age, 19.0 years; interquartile range, 12.8-31.5 years) were evaluated. The VM characteristics and embolization details were analyzed. Anticoagulation was also evaluated based on D-dimer levels. Cutaneous and noncutaneous AEs were analyzed. The AEs were categorized using Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. RESULTS: VMs involving tissue planes were subcutaneous (n = 104), intramuscular (n = 84), and combined (n = 113). Overlying skin involvement was observed in 56% of the patients. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate was mainly used (83%). Periprocedural anticoagulation was used in 9% of the patients. Most AEs were minor (30/301, 9.7%), and only 1.7% (5/301) were major (21 cutaneous and 14 noncutaneous AEs). Age below 18 years (odds ratio, 4.4502; 95% confidence interval, 1.5607-12.6890; P = .0052) and overlying skin involvement (odds ratio, 7.1794; 95% confidence interval, 1.6226-31.7656; P = .0094) were factors associated with cutaneous AEs. All noncutaneous AEs developed in patients with intramuscular VMs; however, this association was not statistically significant. There was no severe hematologic AE or permanent consequence. CONCLUSIONS: The overall AE rate after VM embolization was 11.6%; however, major AEs were rare (1.7%). Cutaneous AEs were associated with young age and overlying skin involvement. All noncutaneous AEs developed in patients with intramuscular VMs.

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate Sclerotherapy for Lateral Malleolar Bursitis of the Ankle.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) sclerotherapy for conservative treatment of lateral malleolar bursitis of the ankle. Methods: We reviewed data from 20 consecutive patients (20 ankles) who underwent STS sclerotherapy between August 2018 and June 2019. After aspiration of fluid from the lateral malleolar bursal sac, 2 mL (20 mg) STS was injected into the sac. Clinical outcomes and side effects and complications were evaluated at 2 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after sclerotherapy. Responses to treatment were assessed according to degree of fluctuation, shrinkage of the bursal sac, and soft-tissue swelling. The 36-item short form survey (SF-36) was completed for each patient before and after therapy. Results: Complete response was observed in 17 patients (85%), and partial response was observed in 3 patients (15%) after STS sclerotherapy. SF-36 physical component scores improved from 62.2 (interquartile range, 5.2) before therapy to 70.0 (interquartile range, 7.9) at last follow-up (p < 0.05). One patient (5%) experienced transient hyperpigmentation at the injection site. No major complications occurred. Conclusions: STS sclerotherapy was an effective and safe treatment for patients with lateral malleolar bursitis of the ankle.

Safety of High-Dose 3% Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate for Sclerotherapy of Renal Cysts in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

This study assessed the safety profile of high-volume (>10 mL) 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) sclerotherapy for the treatment of renal cysts in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. A total of 211 sclerotherapy treatments were performed in 169 patients over a 5-year period, with a comparison of 2 patient cohorts based on the STS volumes used. The first cohort (n = 112) received a high volume (greater than 10 mL) of STS, and the second cohort (n = 57) received a low volume (less than 10 mL). The minor adverse event rate for the cohorts was 14.5% and 9.6%, respectively (P = .310), with postprocedure pain being the most common event. One major adverse event occurred, for which the patient required hospitalization for infection after low-volume STS treatment. Doses of STS higher than those currently recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for intravascular use allow large renal cysts to be treated safely in the setting of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Adverse neurological events after sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam sclerotherapy - A prospective, observational study of 8056 treatments.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) is a flexible and highly utilised tool in the treatment of varicose veins (VVs), both as a primary treatment and as an adjunct to other treatments. Concern remains regarding the risk of neurological adverse events (AEs) such as migraine, visual disturbance and serious adverse events (SAEs) such as cerebrovascular accident that have been reported after UGFS treatments. AIM: To determine the incidence of neurological AEs and SAEs after UGFS. METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, post-authorisation safety study across Europe (both private and government) was performed between January 2015-2020. Neurological adverse events after UGFS with Fibrovein® (Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate) 1 and 3% physician generated foam. RESULTS: 8056 patients underwent treatment. There were 46 AE (including 5 SAEs), 30 (65%) SAEs were in female patients. Mean age was 55 years with mean body mass index (BMI) of 27. Univariable logistic regression demonstrate that UGFS only treatment (i.e. no adjunctive treatment), liquid-to-gas ratio, gas type and total foam volume (1% sodium tetradecyl sulfate, STS) were significantly associated with the odds of experiencing the outcome. Multivariable logistic regression model exhibits that migraine and total foam volume (1% STS) maintained statistical significance thus associated with the odds of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that UGFS with Fibrovein is safe with a very low incidence of neurological AEs and SAEs. Past history of migraine, use of physiological gas (O2/CO2) and increasing volumes of 1% foam increase the risk of AEs.

Inframalleolar access in endovenous treatment of venous ulcers and C5 disease with nonthermal nontumescent techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of inframalleolar access for endovenous ablation when treating advanced venous disease with nonthermal nontumescent (NTNT) techniques. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 109 patients with advanced venous disease, treated using inframalleolar access between May 2018 and March 2020. NTNT techniques included ClariVein (Merit Medical Systems, South Jordan, Utah) and ScleroSafe (VVT Medical, Kefar Sava, Israel). Outcomes measured were postprocedure pain, leg edema, ulcer healing and recurrence rates, and venous insufficiency recurrence. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (70%) were treated with ClariVein and 32 (30%) with ScleroSafe. Postprocedure pain score (range, 0-10) after 1 week decreased from a preprocedure median of 5 (interquartile range, 3-6) to 1 ((interqartiel range, 0-2) (P = .0001). Complete wound healing was achieved in 38 patients (43.7%) after 30 days and in 71 patients (81.6%) after 90 days. One patient developed an ulcer recurrence and six developed venous insufficiency recurrence. There was no reported nerve or skin injuries. CONCLUSIONS: NTNT ablation techniques using inframalleolar access are effective and safe without risk of nerve damage. Their use facilitates ulcer healing and limits pain in patients with advanced disease.

Sclerotherapy of telangiectasias: A prospective, randomized, comparative clinical trial of hypertonic glucose versus sodium tetradecyl sulfate.

To compare the disappearance of the telangiectasias after sclerotherapy with 75% glucose (HG) versus 0.2% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS). This prospective, randomized clinical trial compared the results of sclerotherapy of the telangiectasias with HG and STS. The primary efficacy end point was telangiectasia disappearance within 14, 28, 42, and 56 days following treatment. The clearing of the vessels was assessed using a six-point scale (from 0 to 5). A total of 159 women were treated (81 in the STS group; 78 in the HG group). The median score of the vessels clearing (IQR) was significantly lower in the STS group than in the HG group: 3 (2-4) versus 4 (3-5) after 56 days, p < 0.001. Pigmentation was frequently observed in the STS group (38.3% vs 2.6%; p < 0.001). In conclusion, throughout the entire follow-up period, sclerotherapy of telangiectasias with glucose was significantly superior to that with STS. Moreover, pigmentation and intravascular clots frequently occurred with STS treatment. Russian Registry of Treatment of Chronic Venous Diseases (RRT CVD) ID: VRCVD 1.005.

Mechanochemical Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins in Pediatric Patients with Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome: Feasibility, Safety, and Initial Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility, safety, and results of endovenous mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) for treatment of persistent embryonic and dysplastic veins in pediatric patients with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen MOCA procedures were performed in 11 patients (age range, 4-16 years) with KTS and symptomatic persistent embryonic or dysplastic veins during a 24-month period. All patients were evaluated with color Doppler (CD) ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and venography to assess the anatomy of the target vessels and patency of the deep venous system. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with a ClariVein catheter and liquid sodium tetradecyl sulfate as the sclerosing agent. US and fluoroscopic guidance were used in all cases. Technical success rate, primary occlusion rate, adverse effects, and recanalization rates were evaluated. Clinical and radiological (CD US) controls were performed 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure and once a year thereafter, with a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 6-25 months). RESULTS: Technical success and primary occlusion were achieved in all patients with no adverse events. During the follow-up period, CD US demonstrated partial recanalization and symptom recurrence in 2 patients (18%), 14 and 18 months after the initial procedure. These 2 patients had a second ablation procedure with no recanalization or symptom recurrence during the subsequent follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: MOCA is feasible and appears to be a safe and effective technique for treatment of varicose veins in pediatric patients with KTS.

Safety and efficacy of foam sclerotherapy for treatment of low-flow vascular malformations in children.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital vascular malformations are a heterogeneous group of lesions with the potential to cause significant lifelong morbidity in children. Diagnosis and treatment of these lesions may be complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. Sclerotherapy is widely used for the treatment of low-flow vascular malformations (LFVMs) as an alternative to surgical resection in adults; however, limited data of its use in a pediatric setting are available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy for pediatric LFVMs. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed our multidisciplinary vascular malformations team database for all patients younger than 18 years treated for congenital vascular malformations from 2008 to 2017. Of these, patients with LFVM treated with foam sclerotherapy were included. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was used to select patients for sclerotherapy by the multidisciplinary team. Foam sclerotherapy was performed with either polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Patients' characteristics, including demographics, presenting symptoms, and anatomic location of malformation, were assessed. Outcomes included treatment response, number of procedures, and postprocedural complications. RESULTS: The 61 patients with 61 LFVMs included 27 boys (44.3%) and 34 girls (55.7%), with mean age of 10.3 years (standard deviation, ± 5.3 years). The cohort included 32 venous (52.5%), 16 lymphatic (26.2%), and 8 mixed venous and lymphatic (13.1%) malformations along with 5 (8.2%) associated with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome. Primary indications for intervention included pain and swelling (n = 12 [19.6%]), pain alone (n = 23 [37.7%]), swelling alone (n = 15 [24.6%]), functional impairment (n = 8 [13.1%]), and bleeding (n = 3 [4.9%]). Anatomic distributions varied, with 13 head and neck (21.3%), 5 truncal (8.2%), 10 upper extremity (16.4%), 27 lower extremity (44.3%), and 6 diffuse (9.8%). Among the head and neck lesions, 8 (13.1%) extended to the face; and of the extremity lesions, 5 (8.2%) extended to the hand and 17 (27.9%) to the foot. Overall, sclerotherapy resulted in significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms in 53 patients (86.9%). Complications were observed in seven patients (11.4%); six cases (9.8%) of superficial skin ulceration resolved without intervention, and one infection (1.6%) required antibiotics. No patients experienced adverse hemodynamic consequences or venous thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS: This series of pediatric LFVMs, the largest of its kind to date, demonstrates that sclerotherapy with foam-based agents effectively reduces symptoms with an acceptable rate of complications. Further study is needed to determine the optimal sclerosing agents for individual subsets of LFVMs in the pediatric population.

Safety Profile of Sclerosing Agents: An Analysis From the World Health Organization Pharmacovigilance Database VigiBase.

BACKGROUND: Several sclerosing agents are used to treat chronic venous diseases. Although they do not seem to differ in terms of efficacy, their safety profiles might differ. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety profile of sclerosing agents through an analysis of the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database. METHODS: The authors performed a disproportionality analysis using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) method to compare pharmacovigilance signals between each sclerosing agent among 6 adverse event syndromes of interest: hypersensitivity reactions, arterial thromboembolic disorders, venous thromboembolic disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, visual/neurological disturbances, and skin ulcerations. The cutoff for signal detection was defined by a logPRR lower boundary 95% confidence interval (CI) ≥0 and number of cases n ≥3. RESULTS: Of 1,227 Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) identified, after removal of ICSRs with unselected indications, the authors selected 472 reports for the analysis. The authors found that polidocanol is associated with more reporting of venous embolic/thrombotic events (logPRR = 1.38 [95% CI 1.27-1.49]), ethanolamine with the higher pharmacovigilance disproportionality signal of cardiac arrhythmias (logPRR = 0.80 [95% CI 0.51-1.09]), and STS with more reporting of allergic reactions (logPRR = 1.79 [95% CI 1.59-1.98]). CONCLUSION: The safety profile of sclerosing agents significantly differs and should guide benefit-risk ratio assessment of such agents.

BLIND-SIDED BY COSMETIC VEIN SCLEROTHERAPY: A CASE OF OPHTHALMIC ARTERIAL OCCLUSION.

PURPOSE: Cosmetic vein sclerotherapy is increasingly used to treat varicose veins because of its effectiveness and adherence with British Pharmacopoeia specifications. We present the first documented case of ophthalmic artery occlusion resulting in panocular ischemia secondary to intravascular injection of sodium tetradecyl sulfate sclerosant in a young healthy women seeking treatment for prominent facial veins in her forehead. METHODS: The patient presented with unilateral sudden loss of vision. Funduscopy demonstrated a pale retina, cherry-red spot, and sclerosant visualized directly at the macula. She underwent emergency treatment for central retinal artery occlusion followed by fundal photographs, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Despite intervention, the vision remained no perception to light. Magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and Doppler ultrasound were unremarkable. The patient later developed neovascular sequelae requiring laser pan-retinal photocoagulation. CONCLUSION: Widely regarded as safe, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the only published ocular side effects of foam sclerotherapy are transient visual disturbances or temporary scotomas. This case demonstrates irreversible loss of vision as a previously unreported complication. While undoubtedly rare, we believe physicians and surgeons using sclerosant in the orbital adnexa, face, nose, and sinuses should be aware of this sight-threatening complication of injection and counsel potential patients accordingly.

Dacryocystosclerotherapy as an alternative to dacryocystectomy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to perform a histopathological assessment of the efficacy of sclerosing agents in dacryocystosclerotherapy (DCST) and to evaluate its role as an alternative to dacryocystectomy (DCT) in a specific group of patients. Methods: Thirteen lacrimal drainage systems of 10 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) were studied. All patients were awaiting a DCT, indications being repeated attacks of dacryocystitis with severe systemic or ocular co-morbidities and/or refusal for a dacryocystorhinostomy. Fluorescent labelled sodium tetradecyl sulphate (SDS) or bleomycin were used as sclerosing agents for a DCST taking specific precautions. All patients underwent a DCT after 4 weeks and histopathological evaluation was performed to assess the changes and extent of DCST. Results: There were nine females and one male, and all patients were above the age of 60 years. Of the 13 lacrimal systems studied, the mean duration of PANDO was 1.3 years. All the patients had associated systemic and/or ocular co-morbidities. SDS and bleomycin were used in 6 and 7 lacrimal systems, respectively. The mean doses used for SDS and bleomycin were 0.26 and 0.31 cc, respectively. The post-injection phase was uneventful except for one patient who had a moderate inflammation, which resolved with low dose oral steroids. Histopathological features were more marked in the SDS group and included loss of epithelium, luminal closure, gross fibrosis across the lacrimal sac wall, congestion and hyalinization of blood vessels, and multiple areas of haemorrhages in the sac wall. Conclusions: DCST is a safe and effective alternative to DCT in very carefully selected patients. Histopathology demonstrates SDS to be more effective as compared to bleomycin.

An institution-wide algorithm for direct-stick embolization of peripheral venous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: No standardized therapeutic algorithm or embolic agent of choice has yet been identified for management of congenital peripheral venous malformations (VMs). Treatment options and reported outcomes therefore vary widely. Herein, we present an institution-wide algorithm for management of symptomatic congenital peripheral VMs using a single embolotherapeutic modality. METHODS: During 36 months, patients with symptomatic congenital peripheral VMs underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Hematologic monitoring for localized intravascular coagulopathy was performed in all. Perioperative anticoagulation was administered accordingly. When applicable, venous duplex ultrasound was performed to assess for presence and patency of a deep venous system and superficial venous reflux. If superficial venous reflux was identified, radiofrequency ablation was performed per standard protocol before or at the time of initial embolization. Direct-stick embolizations (DSEs) were performed by a single operator using two concentrations (1% and 3%) of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS; Sotradecol; AngioDynamics, Latham, NY) without foam preparation. Patients were followed up clinically for resolution of symptoms, coagulopathic monitoring, and development of complications. All data were prospectively maintained and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were 71 DSEs performed in 40 patients (1.8 procedures per patient [range, 1-8]; 12 male patients; mean age, 22 years [range, 2-53 years]). Mean follow-up was 17.1 months (range, 0.8-31.6 months). Presenting symptoms included pain (n = 40 [100%]), swelling (n = 36 [90%]), and cosmetic disfigurement (n = 32 [80%]). Anatomic distribution was upper extremity (n = 16 [23%]), lower extremity (n = 37 [52%]), head and neck (n = 7 [10%]), trunk (n = 10 [14%]), and visceral (n = 1 [1%]). There were 33 sporadic cases, 4 (10%) Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome cases, 2 (5%) blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome cases, and 1 (2.5%) CLOVES (congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevus, and skeletal deformities) syndrome case. Four patients presented with localized intravascular coagulopathy, two of whom required perioperative enoxaparin. Twenty-six patients (65%) required a single DSE session with complete symptom relief. Fourteen patients (35%) required repeated DSE. Two patients (5%) required adjunctive surgical excision. There was one postoperative death (1.4%) secondary to massive pulmonary embolism. Complications were otherwise limited to skin necrosis (n = 2 [3%]). Mean volume of sclerosant per session was 7 mL of 1% STS (range, 3-14 mL), and 15 mL of 3% STS (range, 3-42.5 mL). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of allergic reactions, most congenital peripheral VMs can be safely embolized with liquid STS, thereby avoiding the well-documented toxicity of ethanol. Venous thromboembolism remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in this population of patients despite close hematologic scrutiny. Prospective randomized trials are needed for embolotherapeutic standardization.

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate: A Review of Clinical Uses.

BACKGROUND: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) is Food and Drug Administration approved for treatment of varicose veins, but numerous other off-label applications have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical uses of STS, as well as efficacy and adverse effects. METHODS: Review of studies searchable on PubMed from 1938 to 2016 describing clinical uses of STS to determine efficacy and adverse effects associated with various applications. RESULTS: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate has shown efficacy in the treatment of varicose veins, telangiectasias, hemangioma, pyogenic granuloma, cherry angioma, Kaposi sarcoma, lymphangioma circumscriptum, digital mucous cyst, ganglion cyst, glomangioma, angiokeratoma of Fordyce, pseudocyst of the auricle, and verruca. Commonly reported side effects include pain, erythema, swelling, hyperpigmentation, telangiectatic matting, and ulceration. Serious side effects such as anaphylaxis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction have also been reported. Most sources were case reports and small prospective studies, as such the strength of data supporting many uses is limited by small sample sizes and lack of controls. CONCLUSION: Although not always the most effective method of treatment in off-label usage, use of STS has been frequently selected for a variety of applications for reasons of simplicity, low cost, lack of availability of technologically advanced equipment, and intricacies related to anatomic location.

IATROGENIC OCCLUSION OF THE OPHTHALMIC ARTERY AFTER SODIUM TETRADECYL SULFATE INJECTION IN THE FOREHEAD.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with ophthalmic artery occlusion after sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam injection in the forehead. METHODS: In this case report, a description of the clinical examination and imaging findings, including fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography are reported. RESULTS: A 33-year-old white woman presented with severe painless vision loss in the left eye after cosmetic treatment of a forehead vein with sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam. Her visual acuity in the left eye was hand motions, and her fundus revealed diffuse retinal whitening in the macula with the absence of a cherry red spot and disruption of the arteriolar blood supply. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed intense hyperreflectivity of the inner and outer retina with loss of the foveal contour, and fluorescein angiography revealed delayed filling of the choroidal vasculature and cilioretinal artery with incomplete filling of the retinal arterioles in the late frames consistent with ophthalmic artery occlusion. CONCLUSION: This case represents a devastating ocular complication after the inadvertent injection of sodium tetradecyl sulfate into a forehead artery, resulting in occlusion of the ophthalmic artery and severe vision loss.

Combined Coil Embolization and Foam Sclerotherapy for the Management of Varicose Veins.

BACKGROUND: We propose a novel technique for endovenous treatment of varicose veins (VVs) using combined coil embolization and foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein (GSV). METHODS: A retrospective case-series analysis on patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided coil embolization of the GSV and foam sclerotherapy of the GSV and below-knee varices at a single Canadian center. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients underwent the procedure on 23 legs. Most patients (78.3%) presented for follow-up 57.2 ± 21.9 days postoperatively. Doppler studies demonstrated complete GSV occlusion in all patients. While 3 patients (13.6%) noted skin discoloration overlying the treated VVs, none complained of pain on follow-up or developed leg numbness, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary emboli. CONCLUSIONS: Coil embolization and foam sclerotherapy are a novel and effective treatment for VVs that uses existing and readily available angiographic equipment.

Doxycycline Sclerotherapy Is Superior in the Treatment of Pediatric Lymphatic Malformations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy of sclerotherapy with doxycycline versus sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) for treatment of macrocystic and mixed lymphatic malformations (LMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective review identified 41 children (17 boys; 24 girls; age range, 1 month to 15.4 y) who underwent sclerotherapy with doxycycline (n = 32) or STS (n = 9) for macrocystic (n = 31) or mixed (n = 10) LMs. There were 114 treatments performed, averaging 2.8 treatments (range, 1-8 treatments) per patient. Average follow-up time was 10 months (range, 1-59 months). Clinical response was deemed excellent or moderate if > 90% or > 50% of LMs resolved based on visual estimate. RESULTS: With doxycycline, 87% of patients (28 of 32) had excellent or moderate response with an average of 2.8 treatments (range, 1-7 treatments); 13% required subsequent resection. With 3% STS monotherapy, only 55% of patients (5 of 9) had excellent or moderate response with an average of 2.8 treatments (range, 1-8 treatments), and 33% required subsequent resection. Significantly fewer patients treated with STS responded well compared with patients treated with doxycycline (P = .03). Patients treated with STS had significantly longer follow-up than patients treated with doxycycline (27 months vs 6 months, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Doxycycline monotherapy resulted in a high rate of excellent clinical outcomes after a few treatments without increased need for subsequent operative resection. These results support use of doxycycline sclerotherapy as primary treatment for macrocystic and mixed LMs in children.

Orbital infarction syndrome after multiple percutaneous sclerotherapy sessions for facial low-flow vascular malformation: A case report and literature review.

Vision loss following sclerotherapy for facial vascular malformations (VMs) is a rare but detrimental complication. Here, we report a case of an 11-year-old boy with acute onset blepharoptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and blindness in his right eye after the 14 th sclerotherapy session (percutaneous intralesional injection of sodium tetradecyl sulfate) for a right facial low-flow VM without orbital involvement. Computed tomography angiography revealed no contrast enhancement in the right ophthalmic artery, superior ophthalmic vein, or extraocular muscles. He presented with the hallmarks of orbital infarction syndrome: Clear signs of anterior and posterior segment ischemia and disrupted arterial flow to the extraocular muscles. His blepharoptosis and eye movement improved 4 months later; however, he remained blind, and phthisis bulbi developed eventually. Thus, sclerotherapy for facial VM-even without orbital involvement--may result in severe ocular and orbital complications.