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Single center experience with intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy for lymphatic malformations

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy using bleomycin in treatment of lymphatic malformations.

Methods

Between January 2009 and January 2013, ten patients with lymphatic malformations who were admitted to the interventional radiology department were included in this retrospective study. Intralesional bleomycin was administered by percutaneous injection through 21–23 Gauge needles with a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight. Patients were clinically and radiologically assessed at baseline and followed at first and third months after treatment. Response to treatment was measured visually by using photographs and by radiological images. Symptomatic improvement was also evaluated either by patients or parents.

Results

Excellent resolution was obtained visually in 80% of patients with lymphatic malformation. Significant resolution was achieved in 20% of patients. The percentage of radiographic resolution in size and the improvement in symptoms evaluated by patients or parents were similar with visual outcomes. No side effects were recorded except for fever in one patient and transient erythema in another patient.

Conclusion

Intralesional bleomycin is a safe and effective treatment for patients with lymphatic malformations.

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Correspondence to İlkay Çamlıdağ.

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On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Ethical statement

The Institutional Review Board approved the study.

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Yılmaz, H., Yılmaz, Ö., Çamlıdağ, İ. et al. Single center experience with intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy for lymphatic malformations. Jpn J Radiol 35, 590–596 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-017-0672-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-017-0672-5

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