Microfoam sclerotherapy of superficial venous malformations of the upper limbs

Abstract

Venous malformations are the most common type of angiodysplasia, which cause both physiological and emotional discomfort to patients. Arteriovenous malformations occur most often in the upper and lower limbs at the ratio of 20.9% and 46.4%, respectively. On top of that, 70% of cases of superficial arteriovenous malformations are found in women. In this article, the authors present a clinical example of the effectiveness of microfoam sclerotherapy and show a long-term outcome in a patient with superficial venous malformations of her hands, which are accompanied with such symptoms as as pain and bleeding. As a sclerosing agent, a 1–3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate solution was used, followed by compression using class 2 garments (RAL standard) such as an arm sleeve and gloves. The interval between procedures was 4 to 6 weeks. After several sessions, the superficial venous malformations of the upper limb decreased in the size and volume, and the patient presented less complaints. A 5-year follow-up showed no growth of malformations and re-bleeding complications. Microfoam sclerotherapy of superficial venous malformations in the upper limbs (hands) has good long-term outcomes and allows patients to avoid traumatic surgery. Given this comparability of the surgical and minimally invasive techniques, the use of the latter option, in particular, the foam sclerotherapy technique, makes economic and financial sense.