Neck Arteriovenous Malformations Research Articles

Unveiling The Myth of High Recurrence Rate of Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations of The Head and Neck: Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series

Background Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the head and neck pose a challenge in their management due to their local aggressiveness and high recurrence risk. This study aimed to analyze literature on head and neck AVM recurrence post-treatment and identify the most effective strategy with a lower recurrence rate. Objectives To analyse existing literature on the recurrence of head and neck AVMs following treatment. Our goal was to identify the most effective treatment option with a lower recurrence rate. Methods We conducted a thorough literature search using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, from year 2000 to the present. Our analysis focused on key endpoints, specifically the recurrence rates of head and neck AVMs following various treatment approaches. Results Out of the initial pool of 108 screened articles, a total of 83 patients were deemed suitable for inclusion in the literature review. The reviewed articles demonstrated that appropriate diagnostic tests were documented in 95% of the included studies. Among the patients, 37.3% had previously undergone interventions and were currently dealing with regrowth masses. Notably, 56.6% of patients underwent a combined approach involving both endovascular and surgical methods, while 25.3% opted for a surgical-only approach, and only 18.1% pursued an endovascular-only approach. The studies showed a promising curing rate of AVMs, with a success rate of 94%, albeit with a complication rate of 32.5%. The average follow-up duration for all patients was 26 months, with a standard deviation of 20.5 months. Out of the 83 patients, 5 experienced recurrence, with single-modality approach. Interestingly, no patients who received a multi-modality of treatments experienced recurrence or regrowth of the AVM mass within the follow up period. Conclusion The multi-modality approach outperformed single-modality treatments in preventing AVM recurrence. These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach in the management of these complex vascular anomalies. PROSPERO: CRD42023490871 registered on 17/12/2023

Coil-assisted ethanol embolotherapy for refractory head and neck arteriovenous malformations with Onyx recrudescence: 10-Year experiences

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of coil-assisted ethanol embolotherapy in recanalized head and neck arteriovenous malformations (HNAVMs) with dilated outflowing veins after Onyx treatment. MethodsThirty-six patients with HNAVMs (18 females and 18 males with a mean age of 26.83 years) who experienced recurrence after Onyx embolization from October 2007 to October 2017 were included in this study. All patients underwent complete clinical and angiographic examinations. Further, each patient was classified based on the Schobinger stage before undergoing staged ethanol embolization. All patients were followed up for 5 years in-person at an interval of 3 months after discharge. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to perform the recurrence-free survival analysis. ResultsSixteen patients (44.4%) had Schobinger stage II HNAVMs, and the remaining patients had Schobinger stage III or IV (20/36 patients [55.6%]) HNAVMs. A total of 116 embolization procedures were performed, coils were applied in 107 procedures (92.2%) among patients with dilated outflowing veins. The dose of absolute ethanol was 16.39 mL per procedure in patients with Schobinger II HNAVMs, and 22.45 mL per procedure in patients with Schobinger III and IV HNAVMs (P = .024, 95% confidence interval, 1.128-5.009). During the 3-month evaluation, complete response was observed in 13 of 36 patients (36.1%), and partial response was observed in 23 of 36 patients (63.9%). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate for patients who underwent Onyx treatment had improved 58.3% after ethanol embolization (95% confidence interval, 2.853-9.595; P < .0001). ConclusionsCoil-assisted ethanol embolotherapy could treat refractory HNAVMs with Onyx recrudescence effectively.

Head and Neck Arteriovenous Malformations: Clinical Manifestations and Endovascular Treatments.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular malformations that present high-flow direct communication between the arteries and veins, not involving the capillary beds. They can be progressive and lead to various manifestations, including abnormal skin or mucosal findings, ischemia, hemorrhage, and high-output heart failure in severe cases. AVMs often involve the head and neck region. Head and neck AVMs can present region-specific clinical manifestations, angioarchitecture, and complications, especially in cosmetic appearance and ingestion, respiratory, and neuronal functions. Therefore, when planning endovascular treatment of head and neck AVMs, physicians should consider not only the treatment strategy but also the preservation of the cosmetic appearance and critical functions. Knowledge of the functional vascular anatomy as well as treatment techniques should facilitate a successful management. This review summarizes AVMs' clinical manifestations, imaging findings, treatment strategy, and complications.

A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of 14 Head and Neck AVMs Cases Treated with a Single-Day Combined Endovascular and Surgical Approach.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital defects of vascular development whose treatment remains challenging. The paper presents a retrospective single-center study of 14 patients with AVMs of the head and neck region undergoing combined endovascular and surgical treatment in a single day. AVM architecture and therapeutic strategies were determined on the basis of angiographic studies, while the psychological involvement of each patient was assessed by means of a questionnaire. Most of the 14 patients achieved satisfactory clinical results with no recurrences, good aesthetic and functional results, and most patients reported improved quality of life. The combined endovascular and surgical approach is an effective treatment for AVMs of the head and neck and performing it on the same day is a possible option often accepted by patients which guarantees operative advantages for the surgeon.

Reconstruction after ablative treatment of arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck.

Arteriovenous malformations are high-flow congenital vascular malformations that are characterized by abnormal connections between arteries and veins across an abnormal capillary bed. The head and neck region is the most common location for extracranial arteriovenous malformations. Due to their highly invasive, aggressive, and locally destructive nature, arteriovenous malformations are difficult to treat, and management through a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach is recommended. The mainstay of treatment is embolization and surgical excision. With the advent of genetic research, adjuvant targeted medical therapy is starting to play a larger role. Successful surgical treatment with or without embolization requires removal of the nidus. Large, focal, or diffuse lesions involving multiple anatomic areas usually necessitates surgical reconstruction. Free tissue transfer has many advantages over more conservative methods with restoration of function and contour. Herein, the authors describe the surgical treatment and reconstruction in head and neck arteriovenous malformations.

Management of high-output cardiac failure caused by head and neck AVMs: Percutaneous suture-assisted ethanol and coil embolotherapy.

The aim of this study was to describe the treatment technique, outcomes, and complications of Schobinger stage IV head and neck arteriovenous malformations (HNAVMs) with associated high-output cardiac failure (HOCF) using ethanol and coils with the percutaneous suture technique. From January 2015 to December 2019, 19 patients who had HNAVMs with associated HOCF were treated first with a percutaneous suture of the remarkably dilated dominant drainage vein (RDDOV) and subsequent embolization with coils and ethanol. The percutaneous suture of RDDOV was preferred to be performed, followed by the deployment of coils and the injection of absolute ethanol via transarterial approach, direct puncture approach, or both of them. Treatment outcomes and complication rates were evaluated at follow-up. A total of 19 patients who experienced HNAVMs with HOCF received 19 percutaneous suture procedures and 84 embolization procedures with ethanol and coils. Complete or >90% shunt reduction of the AVM was achieved in 16 patients. Notably, 19 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) stage II improved to stage I, and the symptom of dyspnea disappeared after embolization. The symptoms of five patients with bleeding disappeared. All patients presented with cosmetic concerns; Four were cured, and eight had a clearly recognizable improvement. Of note, 19 (100%) patients presented with impairment of daily life, which was resolved. The minor complications were encountered and recovered by the self. No major complications occurred. This study provides evidence that ethanol and coil embolotherapy is effective and safe in treating HOCF caused by HNAVMs with acceptable complications in these cases. The percutaneous suture technique for RDDOV management can act as an adjunct for embolotherapy.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO TREATMENT OF HIGH FLOW HEAD AND NECK ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS: SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE IN 7 COMPLEX CASES

Introduction: The objective of this work is to determine the role of a multidisciplinary approach in treating the complex high flow head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), involving radiologists and plastic surgeons for the best possible outcomes. Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, the investigators conducted a retrospective analysis on seven patients with high-flow head and neck AVMs who received treatment at a tertiary care facility. Age at first diagnosis, presenting features, prior therapies, endovascular treatment, surgical treatment, and therapeutic outcomes were all recorded. A comparison of pre-and post-procedure pictures was made to assess the clinical outcomes for all patients. Results: Seven patients with complex high flow head and neck AVMs were jointly managed by performing plastic surgery and interventional radiology. There were male and female, with an average age of 24 years. Each patient underwent embolization followed by surgical resection within a 24-hour window of up to 72 hours. In six out of seven patients, the lesion was removed therapeutically, whereas the seventh required palliative resection. Only one patient, there was a minor wound healing difficulty able to be treated with dressings. Conclusion: The results revealed that embolization alone is not effective to reduce the adverse effects. Incomplete removal of AVM showed the same effect as incomplete removal of a tumour. It may not improve symptoms and may worsen the recurrence, thus multi-modality approach is beneficial. A multidisciplinary approach, aided by the interventional radiologist and enable plastic surgeons to remove the high-flow AVMs effectively.

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations: University of Tennessee experience, 2012–2022

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex lesions that represent a subset of vascular anomalies (VAs). The authors present an analysis of their institutional experience managing these lesions as a multidisciplinary team. A retrospective chart review was performed of head and neck AVM patients treated at the authors' institution from 2012 to 2022. Recorded data included patient demographic characteristics, details of clinical presentation, Schöbinger clinical scale and Yakes AVM classification results, and details of all endovascular and surgical treatments. The primary outcome of the study was clinical response to treatment. Angiographic occlusion and complication rates were reported. Chi-square tests were used for comparative statistics. Sixteen patients (9 female, 56%) with AVMs of the head and neck presented from age 3 to 77 years. The Schöbinger stage was stage II in 56% of patients (n = 9) and stage III in 44% of patients (n = 7). The Yakes AVM classification was nidus type (2a, 2b, or 4) in 7 patients (43%) and fistula type (1, 3a, or 3b) in 9 patients (57%). The majority of patients (n = 11, 69.0%) were managed with embolization as the only treatment modality, with an average of 1.5 embolizations/patient (range 1-3). Surgical resection was employed in 5 patients (4 in combination with embolization). Symptom resolution and symptom control were achieved in 69% and 31% of patients, respectively, in the entire cohort. A radiographic cure was demonstrated in 50% of patients. There were no statistical differences in clinical outcomes or radiographic cure rates between patients treated with different modalities. Head and neck AVMs can be treated successfully with a primarily endovascular management strategy by a multidisciplinary team with the goal of symptomatic control.

Recurrence after treatment of arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck

&lt;abstract&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Objective&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are aggressive diseases with a high tendency to recur. AVM treatment is complex, especially in the anatomically difficult head and neck region. This study analyzed correlations between extracranial head and neck AVM presentations and the frequency of recurrence.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Methods&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;We retrospectively assessed AVM recurrence among 55 patients with head and neck AVMs treated with embolization and resection between January 2008 and December 2015. Recurrence was defined as any evidence of AVM expansion following embolization and resection. Patient variables, including sex, age, AVM size, AVM location, stage, and treatment modalities, were examined for correlations with the recurrence of head and neck AVMs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Results&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;A total of 55 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up following AVM treatment with embolization and surgical resection were enrolled in this study. During follow-up, 14 of 55 patients experienced recurrence (the long-term recurrence rate was 25.5%). Sex, stage, AVM size, and treatment modality were identified as independent predictors of recurrence. Recurrence was less likely following the treatment of lower-stage or smaller lesions and did not correlate with age or location.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt; &lt;title&gt;Conclusions&lt;/title&gt; &lt;p&gt;AVMs of the head and neck are among the most challenging conditions to manage due to a high risk of recurrence. Early and total AVM resection is the best method for preventing recurrence.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/sec&gt;&lt;/abstract&gt;

Endovascular Treatment of Arteriovenous Malformations of the Head and Neck: Focus on the Yakes Classification and Outcomes

PurposeTo evaluate endovascular treatment of head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) based on the Yakes AVM classification and correlate treatment approach with clinical and angiographic outcomes. Materials and MethodsA retrospective single-center study was performed in patients who underwent endovascular treatment of head and neck AVMs between January 2005 and December 2017. Clinical and operative records, imaging, and postoperative courses of patients were reviewed. Clinical stage was determined according to the Schobinger classification. AVM architecture and treatment approaches were determined according to the Yakes classification. Primary outcomes were clinical and angiographic treatment success rates and complication rates, with analysis according to the Yakes classification. ResultsA total of 29 patients (15 females) were identified, with a mean age of 30.6 years. Downgrading of the Schobinger clinical classification was achieved in all patients. Lesions included 8 Yakes type IIa, 5 type IIb, 1 type IIIa and IIIb, and 14 type IV. Lesions were treated using an intra-arterial, nidal, or transvenous approach, using ethanol and liquid embolic agents. Arteriovenous shunt eradication of >90% was achieved in 22 of 28 patients (79%), including 9 of 13 (69%) of Yakes type IV lesions and 13 of 15 (87%) of the other types. There were 5 significant complications in 79 procedures (6%), including 4 of 50 (8%) in Yakes type IV lesions. ConclusionsSchobinger stage was downgraded in all patients. Arteriovenous shunt eradication of >90% was achieved in most patients. Yakes type IV lesions required more sessions, and shunt eradication was higher in the Yakes II and III groups.

Management of extracranial arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck

The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of the different therapies for extracranial head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).AVMs are high-flow congenital vascular anomalies. They are composed of a complex system of vessels directly connecting feeding arteries to draining veins forming a nidus.They may be potentially life-threatening due to progressive symptoms and infiltrative disease. Extracranial AVMs most commonly affect the head and neck area (47.4%) followed by the extremities (28.5%). AVMs are best characterized as being either focal or diffuse. Focal AVMs have good outcomes following adequate treatment. Diffuse lesions have multiple feeding vessel, which results in high rates of recurrence despite treatment.The management of AVMs includes conventional surgery and endovascular techniques. A combination of embolization and surgical resection has become the treatment of choice over the last years. The main goal of both forms of treatment being the complete blockage or resection of the nidus. Transcatheter embolization of vessels has evolved over the years and new embolic agents have emerged. The types of materials available for embolization are classified into mechanical devices, liquid agents and particulates. Efficacy, rate of recurrence and most common complications were evaluated.AVMs recurrence after embolization or resection is reported in up to 80% of cases. Incomplete resection and embolization can induce aggressive growth of the remaining nidus and the risk of progression is up to 50% within the first 5 years and recurrences can occur up to 10 years later.Although ethanol seems to be associated with the highest degree of cure and permanent occlusion, the overall complication rate reported was 48%. Other materials, such as cyanoacrylate, have obtained modest rates of complete remission, while the reported rates of complete regression of AVMs with Fibrin glue and Polyvinyl alcohol are above 50%. At present, there are no unified agreement on the ideal embolic agent.Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to support decision making about the best therapeutic approach and to achieve optimal outcome. A long-term post-treatment follow-up is recommended to recognize early recurrence.

Distal Microcatheter Placement Using the ASAHI CHIKAI 008 Microguidewire for Liquid Embolic Material Delivery

Management of vascular malformations requires microcatheter manipulation through distal tortuous arterial feeders <1 mm in diameter to permit safe and effective embolization at the fistula or nidus location. The ASAHI CHIKAI 008 microguidewire (ACM) recently introduced in the United States was used to evaluate microcatheter torque, support, and safety in distal microcatheter navigation. The use of the ACM in conjunction with flow-directed and over-the-wire microcatheters was evaluated in 25 neuroendovascular cases performed by a single operator for endovascular microcatheter embolization of intracranial vascular malformations over a 1-year period. The study evaluated angiographic evidence of distal microcatheter positioning, subsequent obliteration of the fistula at the location, and any complications. The microguidewire was used in microcatheter embolization of 10 vein of Galen malformations, 11 brain and head and neck arteriovenous malformations, 2 spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas, and 2 cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas. Good flow-directed and over-the-wire microcatheter placement using the ACM was possible across the spectrum of cases achieving optimal catheterization and safe embolization in all. There were no microguidewire- or microcatheter-related vessel spasms, dissections, or perforations during combined or individual manipulation and no contrast or embolic extravasation on fluoroscopy or postembolization angiography. The ACM is a safe, sturdy microguidewire that provides good torque in distal arterial anatomy, while providing microcatheter support and maintaining tip configuration on repeated use.

Treatment of Head and Neck Arteriovenous Malformations Involving the Facial Nerve: A Tailored Algorithm.

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving branches of the facial nerve often cause tremendous cosmetic, functional, and psychological problems that are challenging to treat. We proposed an algorithm to obtain the optimal treatment and esthetic outcome. Medical records of 24 patients were reviewed between 2002 and 2015. The lesions were classified into 4 types: type 1, involving no more than 2 facial nerve branches, with a maximal diameter of lesion of 5 cm or less (n = 7); type 2, involving no less than 2 facial nerve branches, with a maximal diameter of lesion of greater than 5 cm (type 2a, facial nerve preservation, n = 8; type 2b, facial reanimation, n = 5); and type 3, involving the mastoid segments or the trunk of the facial nerve (n = 4). Treatment efficacy was assessed and facial function was evaluated using the regional House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System. Cure was achieved in 11 (45.8%) patients, and improvement was achieved in 12 (50.0%) patients, with a follow-up of 36.3 ± 32.9 months (range, 12-144 months). There was no significant difference of the regional House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System score before and after treatment (type 1, unchanged; type 2a, P = 0.356; type 2b, P = 0.423; type 3, unchanged). Treatment outcomes were not significantly related to the type of nerve involvement (P = 1.000) and the facial reanimation procedure (P = 1.000). Surgical excision or ethanol embolization alone is efficient for type 1 AVMs. The optimal approach for type 2a AVMs was surgery, followed by well-vascularized tissue transfer. In type 2b AVMs, the satisfied treatment results are achieved by lesion excision and immediate facial reanimation. A 2-stage strategy may result in contented treatment outcome in type 3 AVMs.

Endovascular treatment of head and neck arteriovenous malformations: long-term angiographic and quality of life results

AimTo present the long-term angiographic and subjective results of patients with head and neck arteriovenous malformations (HNAVMs) after endovascular treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the medical files of 14 patients with HNAVM...

Management of Head and Neck Arteriovenous Malformations - Team work Counts

Management of Head and Neck Arteriovenous Malformations - Team work Counts

Adjuvant role of anti-angiogenic drugs in the management of head and neck arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are high-flow vascular malformations characterised by a complex vessel network directly connecting feeding arteries and draining veins, typically featured by a natural history of progression, while spontaneous regressions are purely anecdotal.AVMs are very aggressive entities that possess a locally infiltrative behaviour like neoplasms. Complete “radical” surgical excision presents the highest chance of cure, but nowadays there is still considerable controversy on how to treat large AVMs that are not amenable of “radical” excision.The aim of this paper is to propose a different approach to treat vast AVMs that cannot be removed radically.The association of an antiangiogenic drug (to be initiated before surgery and to be continued in the post-operative period), could prevent the feared “explosive” growth of the remaining nidus after its partial removal. This could make recontouring and other “aesthetically” focused procedures feasible in these patients, with an obvious leap in their quality of life.The most promising antiangiogenic drug seems to be Thalidomide, but other drugs such as Sirolimus, VEGF pathway inhibitors, Interferon or Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Inhibitors could serve the purpose just as well. Even Propranolol could prove useful in this sense as suggested by some recent researches on retinopathy of prematurity and tumour biology.

Long-term results of ethanol sclerotherapy with or without adjunctive surgery for head and neck arteriovenous malformations.

Ethanol sclerotherapy has shown favorable short-term efficacy in managing head and neck arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is well known for high recurrence rate after treatment. The purpose of this study was to report immediate treatment results and long-term follow-up results of ethanol sclerotherapy in patients with head and neck AVMs. We performed a retrospective review of 45 patients with head and neck AVMs treated between April 1997 and December 2013 by using ethanol sclerotherapy with or without adjunctive surgery. The degree of AVM eradication was analyzed, and complications per treatment session were recorded. Long-term treatment effectiveness was assessed with clinical and imaging follow-up. In total, 132 sclerotherapies were performed in the 45 patients, with a total angiographic eradication rate of 17.8% (n = 8). Partial resolution was achieved in 34 patients, and three patients showed no response. Mean follow-up period was 56.6 months (range, 13-144 months). The long-term recurrence rate was 11.1% (5/45), and all recurrences occurred more than 3 years after the treatment with interval disease-controlled period. The major complication rate was 3.8% (5/132), and 34 minor complications (25.8%) occurred. Ethanol sclerotherapy is effective for achieving long-term durable cure of head and neck AVMs. In patients with non-curable disease, it is also effective for symptom palliation and long-term disease control. However, given recurrence after interval disease-controlled period, long-term follow-up should be required to detect recurrence in patients with any residual lesion after treatment.

Combined Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Cervicofacial Arteriovenous Malformations

Objectives: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) often cause disfigurement and severe functional disturbances. An improper approach can unlock an explosive growth in the AVM and present a very high risk of relapse. Recurrent AVMs are much harder to cure. Intraoperative massive bleeding is a tangible risk if AVMs are treated surgically without preparatory endovascular embolization. The study’s aims were: (1) Recognize and clearly diagnose a cervicofacial AVM. (2) Describe the indications and techniques to treat cervicofacial AVMs. (3) Analyze the critical importance of a combined endovascular and surgical approach. Methods: The most accepted indications and techniques concerning head and neck AVMs are gathered from a review of the literature and compared with the personal experience of the authors with 10 AVMs of the soft tissues of the head and neck and 4 AVMs of the facial bones. All patients underwent preoperative endovascular embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate followed by surgical removal of the malformation within 48 hours of the procedure. Results: One early case of AVM of the maxilla was complicated by massive intraoperative hemorrhage despite preoperative embolization. One maxillo-mandibular AVM recurred 2 years after the treatment. In all patients an improvement in cosmetic appearance was documented. Smaller AVMs were easier to manage and had the best results. Conclusions: An aggressive combined endovascular-surgical treatment seems to be the only “curing” strategy for head and neck AVMs. A thoughtful preoperative balance must be made within a multidisciplinary team and clearly discussed with the patient.

P-027 The Role of Interventional Therapy in Head and Neck Arteriovenous Malformations

IntroductionHead and neck arteriovenous malformations (H&N AVM) are challenging to treat, and impart clinical and psychosocial morbidity. We evaluated the role of endovascular therapy and its success with varying presentations...

Feeding and Draining Vessel Ligation with Sclerotherapy of High Flow Arteriovenous Malformations in the Head and Neck

Feeding and Draining Vessel Ligation with Sclerotherapy of High Flow Arteriovenous Malformations in the Head and Neck