A 14-year single-center experience evaluating sclerotherapy efficacy in lymphatic malformations

Objective

The aim of this study is to share our experience in treating patients with lymphatic malformations (LMs) over a span of 14 years, evaluating the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy, particularly with the use of ethanol as sclerosant of choice.

Methods

A retrospective review of pediatric patients diagnosed and later treated for LMs between 2008 and 2022 was conducted. We collected patient demographics, LM characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes, including response to treatment and complications.

Results

The cohort included 36 patients (24 male patients), first presenting clinically at a median age of 5 months (range: 0-12 years). LMs were macrocystic (17), microcystic (3), and mixed types (16). In most patients (22), the malformation involved the cervicofacial area. Twenty-five patients underwent 54 procedures, averaging 2 procedures per patient (range: 1-13). Sclerotherapy resulted in 90% of patients exhibiting some response of the LM (P = .005). Ethanol was used in most procedures (31) and proved most efficacious, facilitating partial or complete response of the malformations in all cases compared with 72% with other sclerosants (P = .06). Sclerotherapy exhibited low complication rates among all sclerosants used (7%, P = .74).

Conclusions

Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective intervention for pediatric LMs. Ethanol demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to other sclerosants, highlighting its potential as a preferred treatment option. This study supports the tailored use of sclerotherapy, guided by a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits, to provide optimized care for patients with LMs.