The treatment of capillary-venous malformations using a new fibrosing agent

Abstract

We present our early experience in the treatment of cutaneous capillary-venous malformations using a new fibrosing agent called Ethibloc. Superselective angiography was used to delineate the vascular anomaly and effect temporary occlusion. Whenever possible, compression of venous outflow also was used, while the sclerosing agent was injected directly into the malformation by percutaneous puncture. Sixteen patients with capillary-venous malformations have been treated with this agent since 1979. A mild local inflammatory reaction was noted in some cases; there were no instances of skin necrosis. In 10 patients, the fibrosed vascular malformation was excised, and in 6 patients, the area of vascular anomaly decompressed to such a degree that resection was unnecessary.