Treatment of hilar cavernous hemangiomas of the liver by hepatic arterial embolization

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of hepatic arterial embolization for hilar cavernous hemangiomas of the liver. Methods Fourteen cases of hilar cavernous hemangiomas of liver were treated with Pingyangmycin-lipiodol emulsion combined with gelatin particles by transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization. All cases were followed up for 3-36 months after procedures. The changes of cavernous hemangiomas and improvement of clinical signs were observed. Results During the period of follow-up, the cavernous hemangiomas were shrunk to varying agrees and symptoms alleviated in all cases. Twelve months after treatment, the size of cavernous hemangiomas was reduced from ( 7.33± 1.8) cm to ( 3.5± 1.7) cm (P 0.05). No serious complications occurred. Conclusion Transcatheter hepatic artery embolization with Pingyangmycin-lipiodol emulsion is the first choice for hilar cavernous hemangiomas of the liver.