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Original research
Endovascular treatment of head and neck arteriovenous malformations: long-term angiographic and quality of life results
  1. Dan Meila1,2,
  2. Dominik Grieb1,
  3. Bjoern Greling1,
  4. Katharina Melber1,
  5. Collin Jacobs3,
  6. Marlene Hechtner4,
  7. Thomas Schmitz1,
  8. Martin Schlunz-Hendann1,
  9. Heinrich Lanfermann2,
  10. Friedhelm Brassel1
  1. 1Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Klinikum Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
  2. 2Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
  3. 3Department of Orthodontics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
  4. 4Department of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
  1. Correspondence to Dr Dan Meila, Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Sana Kliniken Duisburg, Zu den Rehwiesen 9, 47055 Duisburg, Germany; dmeila{at}yahoo.de

Abstract

Aim To present the long-term angiographic and subjective results of patients with head and neck arteriovenous malformations (HNAVMs) after endovascular treatment.

Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical files of 14 patients with HNAVM who were treated between 2000 and 2014. The treatment of choice was a transarterial superselective microcatheter-based approach followed by embolization using liquid embolic agents. The patients were asked to answer a quality of life questionnaire about the following symptoms before and after treatment: pain, functional impairment, cosmetic deformity, impairment in daily life, and bleeding.

Results Complete or >90% closure of the AVM was achieved in 6 of 14 patients (43%). >50% shunt reduction was achieved in 10 patients (71%). Three complications were encountered in a total of 86 interventional procedures. Six patients presented with bleeding which was cured in all cases (100%). Four of the 14 patients (29%) specified pain which was resolved in two of them. Another six patients (43%) presented with functional impairment; four were cured and two noted an improvement. All 14 patients presented with cosmetic concerns; four were cured and eight experienced a clearly visible improvement. Nine of 13 patients (69%) presented with impairment in daily life which was resolved in five patients and four reported an improvement.

Conclusions Endovascular embolization is a well-tolerated therapy for HNAVM with a low complication rate. Good angiographic results, positive subjective results, and improvement in different aspects of quality of life can be achieved.

  • Arteriovenous Malformation
  • Congenital
  • Embolic
  • Face
  • Vascular Malformation

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