Use of percutaneous bleomycin sclerotherapy for orbital lymphatic malformations

Sclerotherapy with intralesional bleomycin injection under guidance of multi-slice CT for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions-single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy with intralesional bleomycin injection (IBI) for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions under multi-slice computed tomography (CT) guidance.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and September 2021, consecutive patients with retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions who underwent CT-guided IBI at a tertiary centre in Taiwan were enrolled. Their medical records and imaging data were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 13 patients (7 male and 6 female patients; age range: 1-57 years; mean age: 25.9 years) with lymphatic malformation (LM, n = 4), venolymphatic malformation (n = 1), and venous malformation (VM, n = 8). The overall radiological response rate was 76.9% (10 of 13); the radiological response rate was 75.0% in the VM group (6 of 8) and 75.0% in the LM group (3 of 4). Moreover, 3 patients (23.1%) had minor complications and 1 (7.7%) had a major complication. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 8.3 months and no recurrence or progression was reported.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided IBI is an effective and relatively safe minimally invasive treatment for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions, with an overall radiological response rate of 76.9% in a mean of 1.5 sessions and a low complication rate.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

CT-guided sclerotherapy with IBI is a relatively safe, effective, and feasible alternative treatment option for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions.

Doxycycline sclerotherapy in patients with periorbital lymphatic malformation: A case series and literature review

PURPOSE

To describe and report the outcomes of doxycycline sclerotherapy in patients with periorbital lymphatic malformations(LMs).

BASIC PROCEDURES

A retrospective review of consecutive patients diagnosed with periorbital LMs and who received doxycycline sclerotherapy at Hong Kong Eye Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong between January 2016 and June 2022. Doxycycline was prepared with a concentration of 100 mg diluted in 10 mL water for injection. A 23-gauge needle aiming at the center of the macrocyst was used to aspirate fluid from the lesion; this was then followed by an intralesional injection of 0.5 to 2 ml of doxycycline depending on the size of the cavity.

MAIN FINDINGS

A total of eight patients(six females) were included in this study. All of them received doxycycline sclerotherapy for periorbital LMs(five extraconal, three intraconal). The median age for receiving sclerotherapy was 29 years old. Seven patients had macrocystic LMs, and one had mixed macro- and microcystic LM. Two of the LMs had venous components radiologically. The average number of sclerotherapy treatment in one patient was 1.4 ± 0.7times. Seven of the eight patients had excellent response radiologically or clinically. One patient showed a satisfactory response after three cycles of sclerotherapy. No recurrence was experienced at median follow-up of 14 months. None of the patients experienced visual threatening or systemic complication.

PRINCIPLE CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary experience with doxycycline sclerotherapy has shown encouraging results for the treatment of macrocystic or mixed-type periorbital LMs, with a favourable safety profile. Further clinical trials with longer follow-ups are warranted on this topic.

Long term outcomes of transcutaneous non-image guided bleomycin sclerotherapy in orbital/adnexal lymphatic malformations: a protocol-based management in 69 eyes

OBJECTIVES

To study the efficacy and the long-term outcomes of treating micro and macrocystic orbital and/or adnexal lymphatic malformations (OA-LM) with protocol-based bleomycin sclerotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective interventional study of 69 eyes having OA-LM treated with non-image guided transcutaneous or transconjunctival bleomycin sclerotherapy (1IU/ml aqueous solution) between December 2014 and December 2018. Based on clinical regression, the outcomes were classified as excellent, good, fair and poor.

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 20 ± 16 years (median 16; range 1 month to 70 years). The orbital-palpebral variant was the most common presentation, seen in 29 patients (42%). Microcystic morphology was seen in 34(49%), macrocystic in 22 (32%) and mixed cyst in 13 (19%) patients. Mean units of bleomycin injected per patient were 9 ± 8 IU (median 5.5 IU, range 1-38 IU). Mean number of treatment sessions required were 2 ± 1 (median 2, range 1-6). The response was excellent in 43 (62%), good in 12 (17%), fair in 9 (13%) and poor in 5 (7%) patients. These responses were comparable across the morphological subgroups (p = 0.24, chi-square test). Adverse reactions noted were inflammation in 11 eyes (16%) and peri-ocular pigmentation in 15 (22%). There was a sustained tumour regression over a mean follow-up duration of 3.5 years (median 3; range 1.5-5 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Seventy-nine percent of eyes with OA-LM showed a good outcome with transcutaneous and/or transconjunctival non-image guided bleomycin sclerotherapy with no serious adverse events. The results were promising over long-term follow-up.

Management of Macrocystic Lymphatic Malformation in the Cervicofacial Region: Ultrasound-Guided Iodine Tincture Cauterization Combined With Intralesional Negative Pressure

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided iodine tincture cauterization combined with postoperative intralesional negative pressure in the management of cervicofacial cystic lymphatic malformation (cLM).

METHOD

From January 2019 to July 2021, indocyanine green lymphography was performed preoperatively to confirm the lymph inflow, and this treatment was administered in 71 patients with cervicofacial cLM in our center. All cases were evaluated by curative effects, treatment frequency, and adverse events. The duration of posttreatment follow-up was from 12 to 14 months.

RESULTS

Indocyanine green lymphography indicated at least one lymphatic inflow in each cLM lesion. Excellent resolution was observed in 87.3% of cases, and good improvement of the treated cLM occurred in 9.9% of cases, and 2 cases with fair outcomes required subsequent treatment. It is noteworthy that no case was treated more than 3 times. Some minor adverse effects, including localized itch and scar, were managed by symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of satisfactory outcomes and low treatment frequency, ultrasound-guided iodine tincture cauterization combined with intralesional negative pressure represents an efficacious, safe, and feasible method for the management of macro-cLM in the cervicofacial region.

Severe orbital inflammation and hemorrhage complicating bleomycin sclerotherapy for orbital lymphaticovenous malformation

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a well-recognized treatment for management of low-flow vascular malformations. It is regarded as a safe and effective procedure, and there are very few reports of sight-threatening complications in the medical literature. We describe a case of a 12-year-old girl who developed severe orbital compartment syndrome due to a combination of orbital inflammation and hemorrhage, resulting in massive proptosis, severe chemosis, optic nerve compression, severe lagophthalmos, exposure keratitis and visual loss following bleomycin sclerotherapy for a right orbital and periorbital lymphaticovenous malformation. Despite presenting to the emergency eye clinic 5 days after the onset of her symptoms, when her vision was thought to be irretrievably lost, she had a surprisingly good visual outcome after medical and surgical intervention. Although sclerotherapy for low-flow vascular malformations of the orbit is generally safe, it can be complicated by severe sight-threatening orbital inflammation and hemorrhage for which urgent intervention is usually required. However, with adequate management, visual recovery may occur even after late presentation.

Bleomycin sclerotherapy following doxycycline lavage in the treatment of ranulas: A retrospective analysis and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

A ranula is a mucus-filled salivary pseudocyst that forms in the floor of the mouth, commonly arising from the sublingual or submandibular salivary glands following obstruction or trauma. Complete excision of the injured gland and removal of the cyst content is the first-choice therapy, but has the potential for complications related to injury to nearby structures. As such, minimally invasive approaches such as percutaneous sclerotherapy have been investigated. We aim to contribute to the literature by assessing the efficacy and safety of our technique through our experience with 18 patients over the last decade.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 18 patients with intraoral and plunging ranulas treated by percutaneous bleomycin ablation. The primary endpoint was the treatment result. Secondary endpoints included bleomycin dosage and complications.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 12 males and six females with a median age of 23.5 years (range 13-39 years). At a final follow-up of at least 2 months (6.5±5.5 months), four patients demonstrated complete response (22%) and 14 patients demonstrated residual presence, recurrence, or regrowth of the lesion (78%). There were no statistically significant associations between outcomes and history of prior treatment, number of treatments, and size or type of ranula. No complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that bleomycin, while safe for use in various head and neck malformations, is of limited utility in ranula therapy when the offending gland is not addressed primarily.

The Use of Sirolimus for Treatment of Orbital Lymphatic Malformations: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Orbital lymphatic malformations are rare congenital choristomas associated with pain, proptosis, exposure keratopathy, and vision loss. Current treatments of surgery, drainage, and sclerotherapy may have adverse effects including risk of damage to surrounding structures, swelling, and malformation persistence or recrudescence. Sirolimus, which inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin, a regulator of cell growth and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, has successfully treated systemic vascular malformations. However, its efficacy and safety have not yet been well established for orbital lymphatic malformations.

METHODS

Systematic review and analysis of relevant published literature were performed. PubMed, Embase, and World of Science searches were conducted for studies involving sirolimus treatment of orbital lymphatic malformations through July 2019.

RESULTS

Nine case series and reports with 10 total patients who received sirolimus for treatment of orbital lymphatic malformations were included. The age at sirolimus initiation ranged from 1 week to 23 years. The malformation was lymphatic in 6 patients, lymphaticovenous in 3 patients, and lymphatic-arteriovenous in 1 patient. Six patients underwent ineffective prior therapy including sclerotherapy, surgery, or medical therapy. Initial sirolimus dosage ranged from 0.05 mg/kg twice a day to 1 mg twice a day, and duration ranged from 6 months to 53 months. Seven patients had partial response, and 3 patients, all of whom had a microcystic malformation component, experienced complete response. Adverse effects included mild reversible leukopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and transaminitis with adverse effects denied or not specified for 6 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Sirolimus may be a safe and effective treatment for orbital lymphatic malformations, especially microcystic malformations.

Inflow Occlusion Combined With Bleomycin Sclerotherapy for Management of Macro/Mixed Cystic Lymphatic Malformation in Children

Background: The link between cystic lymphatic malformation (cLM) and normal lymphatic system has become the focus of research. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography-guided inflow occlusion combined with bleomycin sclerotherapy for the management of macro or mixed cLM in children. Methods: Between June 2018 and October 2020, inflow occlusion combined with bleomycin sclerotherapy was performed in 81 cLM patients (age range from 6 months to 8 years). All cases were evaluated by the following parameters: cLM location, histological typing, number of afferent lymph vessels, dermal backflow, curative effects, treatment frequency, and postoperative complications. The duration of postoperative follow-up was from 10 to 16 months. Results: All cLM cases could be found with at least one lymphatic inflow. Excellent outcomes were observed in 68 cases (84.0%), 11 cases (13.6%) experienced good outcomes, and two (2.5%) cases had fair outcome. No case experienced repeated treatment for more than three times. Wound infection, fever, and scar hyperplasia were the independent adverse events, which were managed by symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: Inflow occlusion combined with bleomycin sclerotherapy renders a safe and efficient approach for the management of macro or mixed cLM.

Bleomycin for orbital and peri-orbital veno-lymphatic malformations - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Orbital and peri-orbital venolymphatic malformations (VLM) are low flow vascular malformations. Intralesional bleomycin is now commonly being used to treat such malformations.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize evidence on the safety and efficacy of bleomycin/pingyangmycin sclerotherapy for the treatment of orbital and peri-orbital VLM.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane database for studies reporting outcomes of bleomycin/pingyangmycin sclerotherapy for orbital and peri-orbital VLM between 1974 to April 5th, 2019. Nine retrospective cohort studies enrolling 132 patients were included. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Predefined outcome measures were subjective and objective reduction of the lesion and associated complications.

RESULTS

Subjective reduction of the lesions was seen in 96.2% of the studies. Objective reduction of the lesion and symptomatic improvement were reported in 91.6 and 95% of the studies respectively. Non responders were 9.0%. Minor adverse events were reported in 18.1% of the studies. Major complications like pulmonary toxicity or pulmonary fibrosis was not encountered in any of the included studies. Quality of evidence was generally low.

CONCLUSION

Bleomycin/pingyangmycin sclerotherapy is very effective and relatively safe for the treatment of orbital and periorbital VLM and is not associated with any major side effects including pulmonary fibrosis.Limitations: The systematic review is limited mainly due to low quality of the included studies with retrospective design.

Bleomycin for Head and Neck Venolymphatic Malformations: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Venolymphatic malformations are rare benign vascular lesions of the head and neck. Sclerotherapy has become the first-line therapy of these lesions with bleomycin being a sclerosing agent commonly used.

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of the published literature to synthesize evidence on the safety and efficacy of bleomycin for the treatment of head and neck venolymphatic malformations.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of the literature (January 1995-May 2019) was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies on sclerotherapy of venolymphatic malformations of the head and neck.

STUDY SELECTION

A total of 32 studies with participants met the inclusion criteria among which 1121 patients were included in the systematic review.

DATA ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was the subjective or objective reduction of lesion size as well as minor and major complications.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The bleomycin/pingyangmycin sclerotherapy achieved subjective or objective lesion size reduction in 96.3% (95% CI 94.1%-98.5%) of patients. Minor complications were observed in 16.2% and major complications in 1.1%.

CONCLUSION

Bleomycin is a highly effective treatment of venolymphatic malformations of the head and neck with a low rate of major adverse events. This study represents an update on the "available" evidence, but only low-to-moderate quality studies were available.

LIMITATIONS

This study reviewed 32 studies performed in different parts of the world, but there was heterogeneity of the study designs and interventions.

The Role of Interventional Radiologists in the Treatment of Congenital Lymphatic Malformations

Lymphatic malformations are low-flow vascular malformations that are typically apparent in the pediatric population and can cause significant functional limitations and effects on quality of life. While surgical resection has historically been the mainstay of therapy, percutaneous sclerotherapy has garnered increasing popularity due to its efficacy and low complication rates. The role of interventional radiology in the multidisciplinary management of these often complex malformations requires thorough understanding of the disease process. This article will review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging workup, and management options of lymphatic malformations. Special attention will be devoted to available sclerosants, the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor sirolimus, and complex lymphatic anomalies.

Interventions for orbital lymphangioma

BACKGROUND

Orbital lymphangiomas are a subset of localized vascular and lymphatic malformations, which most commonly occur in the head and neck region. Orbital lymphangiomas typically present in the first decade of life with signs of ptosis, proptosis, restriction of ocular motility, compressive optic neuropathy, and disfigurement. Therefore, early and effective treatment is crucial to preserving vision. Due to proximity to vital structures, such as the globe, optic nerve, and extraocular muscles, treatment for these lesions is complicated and includes a large array of approaches including observation, sclerotherapy, systemic therapy, and surgical excision. Of these options, there is no clear gold standard of treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the evidence supporting medical and surgical interventions for the reduction/treatment of orbital lymphangiomas in children and young adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2018, Issue 5); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 22 May 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing at least two of the following interventions with each other for the treatment of orbital lymphangiomas: observation; sildenafil therapy; sirolimus therapy; sclerotherapy; surgery (partial or complete resection). We planned to include trials that enrolled children and adults up to 32 years of age, based on a prior clinical trial protocol. There were no restrictions regarding location or demographic factors.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full articles to assess their suitability for inclusion in this review. No risk of bias or data extraction was performed because we did not find any trials for inclusion. If there had been RCTs, two authors would have assessed the risk of bias and abstracted data independently with discrepancies being settled by consensus or consultation with a third review author.

MAIN RESULTS

There were no RCTs that compared any two of the mentioned interventions (medical or surgical) for treating orbital lymphangiomas in children and young adults.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently, there are no published RCTs of orbital lymphangioma treatments. Without these types of studies, conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the effectiveness of the medical and surgical treatment options for patients with orbital lymphangiomas. The presence of only case reports and case series on orbital lymphangiomas makes it clear that RCTs are needed to address the differences between these options and help guide treatment plans. Such trials would ideally compare outcomes between individuals randomized to one of the following treatment options: observation, sclerotherapy, systemic sirolimus therapy, systemic sildenafil therapy, and surgical excision.

Image-Guided Percutaneous Bleomycin and Bevacizumab Sclerotherapy of Orbital Lymphatic Malformations in Children

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of image-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy using bleomycin for macrocystic and bevacizumab (Avastin™) for microcystic orbital lymphatic malformations in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2015 and July 2018, we prospectively evaluated 10 pediatric patients who presented clinically and radiologically with lymphatic malformations and were treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy. Patients with venous malformations were excluded. Eight females and two males with ages ranging from 3 to 17 years (mean: 8.8, SD: 4.9) were included. Guided with ultrasound and fluoroscopy, macrocysts were treated with bleomycin instillation. For microcystic components in three patients, bevacizumab was injected intralesional. All patients underwent ultrasound and non-contrast MRI to evaluate response to treatment after 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The malformations were macrocystic in seven patients and complex (macro/microcystic) in three. Twenty sclerotherapy sessions were performed, (range: 1-3 sessions, mean: 2, SD: 0.8). Clinically, there was a significant reduction in the proptosis after treatment (P = 0.007) and dystopia (P = 0.018). The local radiological response showed a reduction in the maximum lesions diameters and volumes after treatment (P = 0.005 and 0.005, respectively). Two of the three patients treated with bevacizumab showed a reduction in the lesions volumes by 90.4% and 63.4%, respectively, whereas one patient did not show volume reduction. Transient periorbital edema and ecchymosis occurred following the procedure with no major complications encountered. Follow-up ranged from 9-33 months, mean: 20.3, SD: 7.4.

CONCLUSION

Bleomycin sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for orbital macrocystic lymphatic malformations. Further use of bevacizumab for microcystic lesions in a larger series is required to outline its efficacy and safety.