Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular stenting and embolization for the management of radiation-induced peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms.
Methods: Twelve consecutive patients with radiation-induced peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms (diameter of 10-30 mm and mean size of 20.42 mm) were admitted to our hospital from 1 January 2015 to 31 October 2019. The patients' baseline characteristics, perioperative parameters, device characteristics, and curative effects were systematically recorded and analyzed.
Results: The 12 patients comprised 3 men and 9 women with a mean age of 62.90 ± 13.97 years. The iliac artery was the most commonly involved artery, followed by the subclavian artery. In all patients, the pseudoaneurysms were detected by enhanced computed tomography. Twelve covered stents were deployed (7 or 8 mm in diameter and 50 mm in length). Additional coil embolization was performed in three patients (Patients 8, 9, and 10). The primary and secondary technical success rate was 91.7% and 100%, respectively. Apart from one death caused by rebleeding, no patients developed rebleeding during follow-up.
Conclusion: Endovascular stenting and coil embolization are feasible and effective for the management of radiation-induced peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms in highly selected patients.
Keywords: Endovascular therapy; coil embolization; efficacy; radiation-induced pseudoaneurysm; radiotherapy; rebleeding; safety; stent graft.