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CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology
Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology 6/2019

Open Access 01-06-2019 | Cytostatic Therapy | Review

Transarterial (Chemo-)Embolization and Lipiodolization for Hepatic Haemangioma

Authors: Alicia Furumaya, Belle V. van Rosmalen, R. Bart Takkenberg, Otto M. van Delden, Cornelis H. C. Dejong, Joanne Verheij, Thomas M. van Gulik

Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology | Issue 6/2019

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Abstract

Background

Transarterial (chemo-)embolization/lipiodolization (TAE/TAL) might be an attractive minimally invasive alternative to surgery in the treatment of symptomatic hepatic haemangioma. This review assesses the efficacy and safety of TAE/TAL as primary treatment for symptomatic hepatic haemangioma.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was performed by two reviewers following the PRISMA guidelines. Cohort studies and case reports were identified; outcomes of cohort studies were reported. The primary efficacy outcome was tumour size before and after TAE/TAL. Improvement of symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were secondary outcomes; the primary safety outcome was complications. The Downs and Black statement was used for quality assessment.

Results

Eighteen cohort studies were identified, including 1284 patients. TAE/TAL led to a decrease in tumour size in 1100/1223 (89.9%) patients and to improvement or disappearance of symptoms in 1080/1096 (98.5%) patients. A significant decrease in tumour size from 9.79 ± 0.79 cm to 4.00 ± 1.36 cm (p < 0.001) was shown. Grade 3 complications occurred in 37/1284 (2.9%) patients. Surgical treatment was necessary in 35/1284 (2.7%) of patients.

Conclusion

TAE/TAL appears to be a promising and safe treatment to decrease tumour size of hepatic haemangioma. The technique might also provide partial relief of symptoms, although no randomized clinical trials or prospective studies using validated QoL questionnaires are available. TAE/TAL may be considered as a viable alternative to resection.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Transarterial (Chemo-)Embolization and Lipiodolization for Hepatic Haemangioma
Authors
Alicia Furumaya
Belle V. van Rosmalen
R. Bart Takkenberg
Otto M. van Delden
Cornelis H. C. Dejong
Joanne Verheij
Thomas M. van Gulik
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0174-1551
Electronic ISSN: 1432-086X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-019-02169-x

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