Long-term results and quality of life after endovascular treatment of venous malformations in the face and neck.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of endovascular sclerotherapy in treating venous and venocapillary malformations of the face and neck region, and to assess the quality of life after treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with endovascularly treated venous and capillary-venous malformation of the face and neck were invited to attend for clinical control and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. To evaluate the quality of life after treatment, patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire which included 20 multiple-choice questions exploring 4 dimensions: psychological, physical, and social functioning, and pain.

RESULTS: In 14 patients, symptoms and MR findings improved, while in 6 patients there was no improvement. Results concerning quality of life showed that most patients did well after endovascular treatment. Patients with venous malformations of the tongue had a worse outcome. Patients under the age of 16 at the beginning of the treatment and patients clinically followed by physicians specialized in vascular malformations had a better quality of life.

CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment for venous malformations is effective. Results and quality of life proved to be better when the endovascular treatment was begun before puberty and the patients had regular clinical controls after therapy.