Liquid Embolization of Peripheral Arteriovenous Malformations with Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer in Neonates and Infants

Abstract

In the postnatal period, extensive peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are associated with high morbidity, especially when localized in the liver. Their urgent treatment is always a challenging problem in neonates and infants. We analyzed four consecutive children aged three days to three years who underwent eight liquid embolization procedures with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The AVM were situated on the thoracic wall, in the liver, and on the lower leg. In three cases, the malformations showed total regression. The tibial AVM degenerated widely. If impaired beforehand, cardiac or hepatic function normalized after the interventions. There were no embolization-associated complications such as nontarget embolization or tissue ischemia. We conclude that application of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer seems to be a safe therapeutic option and can be used in neonates and infants with peripheral AVM in consideration of the agent’s characteristics. Nevertheless, there are still hardly any data concerning young children.