Transcatheter coil embolisation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations

Aim: Evaluation of technical success, complications and long-term results of transcatheter coil embolisation in pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (pAVMs). Material and Methods: Transcatheter embolisations of 46 pAVMs in 14 patients were analysed retrospectively, and, 5 years after treatment, the patients were interviewed by telefone concerning persistent symptoms and complications. Main symptoms before embolisation were dyspnoe (86%), hypoxaemia (100%), cerebral ischemia (21 %), and hemoptysis (14%); 11 patients (79 %) suffered from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Results: Embolisation with an average of 3,9 coils (min. 1, max. 19 coils) per pAVM yielded technical success in all cases. Only two minor complications, transitory pleuritis and a small lung infarction were observed. On follow up examination after 5 years either no residual complaints or substantial improvement of dyspnoe were reported; no patient suffered from neurologic or hemorrhagic complications after the embolisation. Conclusion: Transcatheter embolisation is a safe and minimally invasive therapy for pAVMs and has rightfully replaced surgical resection as the therapy of choice.