A large vascular malformation of the tongue treated with radiation therapy

Two Cases of Lingual Arteriovenous Malformations with Comorbidities Treated by Glue Embolization: A Report with Review of Literature

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving the tongue are uncommon lesions in the head and neck region. They present with bleeding that can be massive and life-threatening apart from debilitating symptoms of pain, ulcers, difficulty in phonation or swallowing. Various therapeutic approaches have been used in their management-surgery, endovascular embolization, radiation and ablation procedures like laser ablation. We report two patients-a 34 year-old man and 56 year-old female who presented with massive bleeding due to lingual AVM and had comorbidities as liver cirrhosis and chronic medical renal disease respectively, and treated with glue embolization, with a review of the literature.

External beam radiotherapy in the treatment of extensive vascular malformation of the lower extremity refractory to surgery and interventional embolisation therapy

This patient case-study represents the introduction of radiotherapy in the management of extra-cranial vascular malformations, a topic with virtually no supported literature before our case study. In those patients refractory to established therapies and facing the inevitability of mutilating amputation, radiotherapy may be a viable option to preserve the limb.

Vascular malformations of the tongue: MRI findings on three cases

Vascular malformations are common lesions accounting for approximately 7% of all benign tumours, the majority of which develop in the head and neck region. Generally, vascular malformations such as lymphangiomas, haemangiomas, and arteriovenous communications in the head and the neck represent only an aesthetic problem. However, when localized in the tongue, these lesions can create clinical problems consisting, in the majority of cases, in spontaneous haemorrhage from the mouth. Although uncommon, progressive asymmetric growth of the tongue (macroglossia) can be also observed. Three consecutive cases of vascular malformations of the tongue have been studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neither contrast medium administration nor angio-MR technique was used. In our experience, MR appears to be the ideal technique to define the site, extension and origin of vascular malformations, due to its ability to depict the typical signal flow voids in the lesions and to differentiate slow-flow lesions from high-flow ones.

Algorithm for using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of deep cutaneous vascular lesions

BACKGROUND

Conventional therapies for deep cutaneous vascular anomalies have demonstrated poor efficacy and many side effects. New laser systems offer greater potential to treat these difficult lesions, but the lack of specific treatment guidelines has restricted consistent success.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rational, user-friendly algorithm that incorporates basic components of deep vascular lesions to define the correct laser settings required for safe, effective, and reproducible treatment.

METHODS

Within 18 months, 162 deep vascular lesions of various types and anatomic sites were evaluated for vessel size, depth, color, and pressure. An algorithm incorporating these characteristics was employed to determine laser parameter settings. Using a high-peak power, long-pulse 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser system, the vascular lesions were then treated.

RESULTS

Within 6 months of follow-up, 80% of treated areas demonstrated a 50% or greater resolution after a single treatment session, with complete clearance shown in 19%. Only minimal and transient side effects were observed. Of note, 74% of areas on the extremities and 83% within the oral cavity showed a 50% or greater resolution after one treatment.

CONCLUSION

Previously challenging deep cutaneous vascular anomalies may be safely reduced or cleared with the use of an appropriate laser system and this algorithm-directed technique. This represents a significant breakthrough in the management of vascular lesions.

Potential complications of intralesional laser photocoagulation for extensive vascular malformations

Vascular anomalies remain a challenge for both patients and plastic surgeons. Recently, promising results have been reported using intralesional photocoagulation (ILP) to treat extensive vascular lesions. At the authors' center, they have treated more than 300 patients with vascular anomalies in different parts of the body between 1996 and 1999. They describe their operative techniques of ILP. Laser pulses of a 1,064-nm wavelength from the Nd:YAG laser were delivered to the target tissues with a 600-microm optical fiber. They report 2 patients who developed complications after a single session of ILP therapy for their extensive vascular malformations. The first patient had Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (capillary-lymphaticovenous malformations) with widespread involvement of her buttocks and left lower limb. She had severe leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and hyperkalemia that resolved with intravenous hydration, antibiotics, and sodium bicarbonate. In their second patient, the entire left upper limb was affected. Her total red cell count diminished by a quarter and her hemoglobin concentration dropped by more than 3 g%. This was corrected gradually with supplemental oral hematinics. Although these complications resolved uneventfully in their patients, they hope that their possible development will caution anyone who may wish to attempt this new method of therapy.