Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of extensive maxillofacial hemangiomas in children

Objective To summarize the experiences of interventional treatment of maxillofacial hemangiomas and evaluate the effectiveness and therapeutic role of transeatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE）. Methods Retrospective analyses were conducted for the clinical records of 62 children with maxillofaeial hemangioma treated between 2004 and 2013. And 28 boys and 34 girls were diagnosed as having extensive maxillofacial hemangioma based on clinical manifestations, color Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography. 47/62 children underwent super-selective TACE once, 14/62 twice and 1/62 thrice. All children undergoing TACE were followed up for 6-96 months. Results After TACE treatment, all children had an excellent response and a successful disappearance of hemangioma without obvious complications. And the size of hemangioma body markedly decreased. There was no recurrence during a follow-up period of 6-96 months. Conclusions TACE is reliable, safe and efficacious in the treatment of extensive maxillofacial hemangioma in children. Key words: Hemangioma;  Embolization, therapeutic;  Angiography, digital subtractive