[Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: report of 15 cases treated by embolization]

Abstract

Purpose: To report a series of 15 new cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma treated with presurgical embolization along with a review of the literature.

Materials and method: Retrospective review of 15 cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma treated with presurgical embolization. The clinical, CT and MR features as well as postsurgical follow-up are reviewed.

Results: Presurgical embolization reduced surgical difficulties, especially hemorrhage, allowing complete tumor resection in most cases. Two cases of recurrent disease and 1 case of residual tumor were noted and treated by repeat embolization.

Conclusion: Presurgical embolization reduces intraoperative hemorrhage and allows complete resection of these highly vascularized tumors.