Symptomatic hemangiomas and venous malformations in infants, children, and young adults: treatment with percutaneous injection of sodium tetradecyl sulfate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous sclerosis therapy using sodium tetradecyl sulfate for treatment of symptomatic hemangiomas and venous malformations in infants, children, and young adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two sclerosis procedures were performed in 21 patients who were 13 months to 24 years old. Six of these patients had hemangiomas, and the remaining 15 patients had venous malformations. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate was injected solely percutaneously in 49 procedures, by both percutaneous and arterial routes in two procedures, and intraarterially only in one procedure. Thirteen patients had sclerosis therapy alone, and eight patients had sclerosis therapy followed by surgery within 48 hr.

RESULTS: Sclerosis therapy alone or sclerosis therapy followed by surgery was judged beneficial in 18 (86%) of 21 patients, including five of the six patients who had hemangiomas and 13 of the 15 patients who had venous malformations. Two patients had an equivocal response to the therapy, and one patient had no apparent benefit. Three of the 21 patients had minor complications (skin ulcers) but no long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous injection of sodium tetradecyl sulfate, either alone or before surgery, is a safe and effective method of managing symptomatic hemangiomas and venous malformations.