Absolute Ethanol Sclerotherapy for Venous Malformations in the Face and Neck

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of sclerotherapy using absolute ethanol for venous malformations in the face and neck. We treated 60 consecutive patients with venous malformations in the face and neck with sclerotherapy with absolute ethanol under the guidance of digital subtraction angiography. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of sclerotherapy. Complications were also evaluated. The duration of follow-up was a mean of 8 months (range, 3 to 22). Of the 60 patients, 22 were treated once and 38 were treated 2 to 18 times (mean 2.6 times/patient). The mean total volume of ethanol in 60 patients was 11.2 mL (range, 0.5 to 230 mL). Of the 60 patients, 56 had complete volume reduction and a marked response after treatment. No severe skin necrosis or permanent nerve damage occurred. Percutaneous sclerotherapy with absolute ethanol under the guidance of venography is a safe and effective treatment for venous malformations in the face and neck.