The histotoxicity of cyanoacrylates. A selective review

Abstract

Cyanoacrylates, a group of rapidly polymerizing adhesives, have found widespread uses in oral and general surgery as well as surgical subspecialties, for example as hemostatic and anastomotic agents. They have been utilized most recently as materials for embolotherapy of complex cerebral and extra-cerebral vascular anomalies. The histopathology that results from their deposition in human tissues is thus an important consideration, and the subject of this review. Particular attention is given to the fate of cyanoacrylates in cerebral lesions after iatrogenic embolization procedures. The apparent toxicity of these plastics on blood vessel walls is discussed in relation to experimental observations. It is imperative that clinicians who use this group of substances evaluate their potential functions in the light of the pathologic findings.