Recanalization after coil embolotherapy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: study of long-term outcome and mechanism for recanalization.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of steel coils for embolotherapy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) by reimaging the embolized PAVMs.

CONCLUSION: We found a high incidence (57%; 8/14) of recanalization in PAVMs embolized with steel coils. Contrast-enhanced CT is useful for detection of recanalized PAVMs. Half of the recanalized PAVMs were fed by bronchial artery branches. Thus, coil embolization should be performed as close as possible to the PAVM to avoid future development of bronchial artery-to-pulmonary artery anastomoses that may cause recanalization.