Embolization of an Arteriovenous Malformation of the Scalp Using Stainless Steel Coils

Transcatheter embolization of an extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) was successfully performed using a stainless steel coil. The case was a 26-year-old male admitted with a tender, pulsatile mass involving the left occipital region. Enhanced CT revealed an extracranial mass in the left occipital region. Selective angiography revealed a large scalp AVM supplied by the left superficial temporal artery, the auricular artery, and the occipital artery. The AVM was embolized with stainless steel coils (Cook, Inc.) and small pieces of Gelfoam. The stainless steel coil was useful for permanent intravascular occlusion of the proximal portion of the artery feeding the AVM. Postembolization angiography demonstrated no opacification of the malformation. There was still no clinical evidence of recurrence after a three month follow-up period.