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. 2025 May 25:2025:2012304.
doi: 10.1155/drp/2012304. eCollection 2025.

Application of Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Cutaneous Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation in a Cockscomb Model

Hong-Long Chen  1 , Dong-Mei Li  2 , Xi-Sheng Lin  1 , Xiao Zhang  2 , Tao Chen  3 , Wei Chen  1 , Yue-Ming Gao  1   3
Affiliations

Application of Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Cutaneous Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation in a Cockscomb Model

Hong-Long Chen et al. Dermatol Res Pract. .

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an emerging technology for the effective treatment of cutaneous hemangioma and vascular malformation. However, there are few histopathological studies on the treatment of this disease with RFA. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of RFA and associated histopathological changes in a cockscomb model of cutaneous hemangioma and vascular malformation. Methods: Thirty-two Leghorn chickens were randomly divided into two groups: RFA group (treated with RFA; 220 V, pulse rate: 15 ms) and control group (treated with 1 mg/mL bleomycin). At 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment, histopathological changes in the cockscomb tissues were observed visually and microscopically using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining. The rates of capillary reduction and collagen proliferation were examined. Results: The cockscomb in the RFA group developed scabs earlier than that in the bleomycin group, and the scabs were darker and more clearly defined. The RFA group showed a more severe inflammatory reaction than the bleomycin group. At 28 days, most scabs had fallen off in both groups, and the boundary was clearer in the RFA group. At 3, 7, and 14 days, the number of capillaries decreased in both groups, with a more obvious decrease in the RFA group. From Days 3 to 28, the number of capillaries in the RFA group showed a trend of gradual increase, whereas that in the bleomycin group showed a trend of gradual decrease, but there was no significant difference between the two groups at 28 days (p > 0.05). The collagenous fibers of cockscomb showed a trend of gradual increase in both groups. The collagenous fiber hyperplasia was higher in the RFA group than in the bleomycin group at 14 and 28 days (p < 0.01). Conclusion: RFA significantly reduced the capillary number and promoted tissue fibrosis. Compared with bleomycin, RFA showed a better effect and with no obvious side effects in treating a cockscomb model of cutaneous hemangioma and vascular malformation.

Keywords: bleomycin; hemangioma; radiofrequency ablation; vascular malformation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Macroscopic changes in cockscomb after bleomycin injection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Macroscopic changes in cockscomb after radiofrequency ablation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Photomicrographs of normal cockscomb: (a) hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, 100× magnification; (b) H&E staining, 400× magnification; (c) Masson's trichrome staining, 100× magnification; (d) Masson's trichrome staining, 400× magnification. The black arrow represents normal capillaries in the comb. The yellow arrow represents the collagen fibers of cockscomb tissue.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Hematoxylin and eosin staining of cockscomb tissue in the bleomycin group at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment (400× magnification). The black arrow represents normal capillaries in the comb.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Masson's trichrome staining of cockscomb tissue in the bleomycin group at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment (400× magnification). The yellow arrow represents the collagen fibers of cockscomb tissue.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Hematoxylin and eosin staining of cockscomb tissue in the radiofrequency ablation group at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment (400× magnification). The black arrow represents normal capillaries in the comb.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Masson's trichrome staining of cockscomb tissue in the radiofrequency ablation group at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment (400× magnification). The yellow arrow represents the collagen fibers of cockscomb tissue.
Figure 8
Figure 8
(a) Comparison of the rate of decrease in capillaries (%) between the bleomycin group and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) group on Days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after treatment; (b) trends of capillary changes on Days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after treatment. ∗∗Compared with the bleomycin group, p < 0.01.
Figure 9
Figure 9
(a) Comparison of the rate of collagen fiber hyperplasia between the bleomycin group and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) group on Days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after treatment; (b) trends of collagen fiber changes on Days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after treatment. ∗∗Compared with the bleomycin group, p < 0.01.
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