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

  • Clinical Investigation
  • Embolisation (arterial)
  • Published:
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

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

Materials and Methods

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.

Results

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%).

Conclusion

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 of Evidence

Level 4, Case Series.

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Abbreviations

BPI:

Brief pain inventory

EVF:

Early venous filling

FM:

Fibromyalgia

IPM/CS:

Imipenem/cilastatin

TAME:

Transcatheter arterial microembolization

TM:

Trapezius myalgia

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Funding

This study was not supported by any funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic, 36-6 Hotel Atlas 2F, Chigasaki Chu-o, Tsuzukiku, Kanagawa, Japan

    Masahiko Shibuya, Eiji Sugihara, Koichi Miyazaki, Keishi Fujiwara & Yuji Okuno

  2. Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan

    Masayoshi Yamamoto

Authors
  1. Masahiko Shibuya
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  2. Eiji Sugihara
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  3. Koichi Miyazaki
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  4. Masayoshi Yamamoto
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  5. Keishi Fujiwara
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  6. Yuji Okuno
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yuji Okuno.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. This study is retrospective study; formal consent is not required.

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Shibuya, M., Sugihara, E., Miyazaki, K. et al. Effects of Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization on Persistent Trapezius Myalgia Refractory to Conservative Treatment. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 44, 102–109 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-020-02670-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-020-02670-8

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