Effects of Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization on Persistent Trapezius Myalgia Refractory to Conservative Treatment

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial microembolization for patients with trapezius myalgia.

We retrospectively evaluated the prospectively collected data of patients with trapezius myalgia for > 6 months who were refractory to conservative treatment and were treated by transcatheter arterial microembolization between October 2017 and January 2019. Transcatheter arterial microembolization was performed using imipenem/cilastatin on the vessels of the transverse cervical artery, suprascapular artery, and circumflex scapular artery according to the region of pain.

Forty-two patients were treated by transcatheter arterial microembolization and followed up for 6 months. No major adverse events occurred related to the procedures. The brief pain inventory worst pain scores significantly improved at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after transcatheter arterial microembolization (8.6 ± 1.3 (before procedure) vs. 5.1 ± 2.9, 4.4 ± 2.9, 4.1 ± 2.8, and 3.9 ± 2.9, respectively, P < 0.001). The brief pain inventory pain interference scores, including general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relations with others, sleep, and enjoyment of life, also significantly decreased at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after transcatheter arterial microembolization compared to those at baseline (all P < 0.01). The clinical success rate at 6 months after transcatheter arterial microembolization was 71.4% (95% confidence interval, 55.4–84.3%).

Transcatheter arterial microembolization is a safe and effective treatment for persistent trapezius myalgia. Further evaluation with a control group is needed to confirm the effects of transcatheter arterial microembolization.

Level 4, Case Series.