OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety and efficacy of sonographically guided percutaneous intralesional sclerotherapy for peripheral venous malformations.

METHODSFrom March 2004 to October 2007, 32 patients with venous malformations of soft tissues were treated with sonographically guided intralesional sclerotherapy. The malformed venous space was identified intraoperatively by duplex scanning, the gauge 7 needle was inserted into this venous space under real-time ultrasound visualization, and sclerosants were infused in the space gently. Absolute alcohol and bleomycin acted as sclerosants here, combined the two (for type I malformation) or bleomycin only (for type II malformation). The treatment could be repeated if the lesion was not cured in 3 weeks. All patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years.

RESULTSOf the group, each patient received 1 - 6 times of the therapy (mean, 3 times). Twenty-seven patients achieved a complete response, and 5 achieved partial response. No major complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONSSonographically guided percutaneous intralesional sclerotherapy for peripheral venous malformation is a simple, effective, safe therapy with minimal invasion, lower morbidity rate, and can be repeated.