Percutaneous sclerotherapy for congenital venous malformations in the extremities

Between January 1991 and January 1998, a total of 15 patients underwent dir ect injection sclerotherapy for painful peripheral venous malformations. Du plex ultrasonography or venography was used in all cases for the detection and localization of tortuous venous structures. Direct injection with absol ute ethyl alcohol was performed in 12 patients, and Sotradecol or sodium mo rrhuate was used in 5 patients. Provocative lidocaine testing was used in 2 patients in whom major nerves were in proximity to the malformations. All patients underwent follow-up in the clinic with duplex examination after ea ch sclerotherapy. Clinical symptoms of all patients improved during average follow-up of 2.5 years (range: 3 months to 6 years.) Duplex examination was useful in detect ing the venous component including the size and course of veins, which were often less well seen on magnetic resonance imaging. Duplex study was helpf ul in follow-up after sclerotherapy in all patients. Direct injection scler otherapy is an acceptable treatment modality for venous malformations. Comp lications are manageable, and regular follow-up with Duplex is helpful.