Application of Superselective Artery Embolization in Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma before Operation

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of superselective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in nasopharyngeal angiofibroma before operation. Methods: Superselective angiography was done via femoral. TAE with polyvinyl alcohol particles and/or gelfoam (GF) was performed in 12 patients with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. All patients underwent surgical removal of devascularized tumors in 3 to 7 days after TAE. Results: During digital subtraction angiography, tumor staining was seen in 12 patients. Embolization of maxillary artery was performed in 12 cases and additional embolization of ascending pharyngeal artery in 8 cases. Conclusion: Superselective angiographic diagnosis, embolization and appropriate embolic particle size are important for successful treatment of nasopharyngeal angiofi- broma. TAE is safe and effective in decreasing haemorrhage during surgical operation for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.