Efficacy of Intralesional Bleomycin in Low Flow Vascular Malformations of Head and Neck Region

Bhandari PS and Srivastava V*

Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Lok Nayak Hospital and Associated Maulana Azad Medical College, India

^*Correspondance to: Vaishali Srivastava 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3549

Abstract

Background: Vascular malformations arise due to abnormal development of the vascular system. They can be venous, lymphatic, capillary or mixed. Several treatment options are available such as sclerosing agents, surgical excision, laser therapy or a combination of these. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional bleomycin in vascular malformations of the head and neck region, not amenable to surgical excision. Material and Methods: The inclusion criteria were patients above 1 year of age, with low flow vascular malformation (venous, lymphatic and mixed) of head and neck region, diagnosed clinically and with an ultrasound, and are not amenable to surgical resection. Capillary malformations/portwine stains and patients with deranged liver function tests were not included in the study. The demographic data and initial dimensions of the lesions were noted. A total of 51 patients with these lesions were included in the study. A minimum of 3 and maximum 6 injections were given at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. The reduction in size of the lesions was noted at each visit. Complications, if any, were also noted. Treatment was terminated once complete reduction of the swelling was achieved or if there was no change in size four weeks after last injection and in case of any adverse reaction. Result: It was noted that 8 patients showed 90% to 100% reduction in height, 16 patients had 80% to 90% reduction, 14 had 70% to 80% reduction and 13 had 60% to 70% reduction. The consistency also changed from soft/cystic to firm. There were no major complications of the procedure. Conclusion: Bleomycin is a safe and effective drug for intralesional use in vascular malformations of the head and neck region.

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Cite the article

Bhandari PS, Srivastava V. Efficacy of Intralesional Bleomycin in Low Flow Vascular Malformations of Head and Neck Region. Clin Surg. 2022; 7: 3549.