Vascular malformations of the female and male genitalia: type and distribution patterns revealed by magnetic resonance imaging

Results of interventional treatment of peripheral slow-flow malformations

BACKGROUND

In recent years sclerotherapy has increasingly become the treatment of choice for peripheral slow-flow malformations. However, the long-term effectiveness of sclerotherapy is still a matter of debate, especially when it comes to new sclerosing agents like polidocanol. This study aims at gathering further information concerning its long-term effectiveness and safety.

RESULTS

Most patients reported a reduction of symptoms which include pain (57,7%), swelling (65,4%) and functional impairment (60%). Cosmetic complaints were less likely to be reduced by sclerotherapy (44,4%). In most cases a relief of symptoms was stable for many years, especially after several consecutive treatment sessions. Complication rates were comparably low, with only 2 patients requiring additional treatment at hospital and no lasting damages. (…) (7) Most patients (70,9%) were at least partially satisfied with the treatment. Satisfaction was closely linked to a partial or complete relief of symptoms (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Sclerotherapy is a promising way of treating slow-flow-malformations. Polidocanol has proved to be a save sclerosing agent. The reduction of major symptoms was substantial in most cases and lasted for many years.

Venous malformation of the penis treated with a combined Nd:YAG laser and sclerotherapy technique

Venous malformations are the commonest vascular anomalies and can be found everywhere in the body. Those of the external genitalia are quite rare. Although they can be small, they may give rise to psychological discomfort and functional impairment and their management can be delicate and challenging. We present a case of a large and infiltrating venous malformation of the glans penis successfully treated with a combined strategy using sclerotherapy and Nd:YAG laser.