Hybrid treatment of fibroadipose vascular anomaly: A case report

BACKGROUND: First identified in 2014, fibroadipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a very rare type of venous and lymphatic malformation. Marked by tough fibrofatty tissue in the extremities overtaking portions of the muscles, it is associated with constant pain and contracture of the affected extremity. There is a paucity of literature, and no guidelines on treatment procedure are available. This case highlights the role of hybrid treatment with primary ethanol percutaneous ethanol embolization and additional surgery for radicality in excision of FAVA lesions. CASE SUMMARY: A 9-year-old girl with FAVA underwent the hybrid treatment. The achievements of complete excision, clinical response, and patient satisfaction in long-term follow-up were assessed. Following the hybrid treatment, the patient experienced significant improvement in pain. Concurrent symptoms of physical limitation, leg swelling, and skin hyperesthesia also improved. The clinical benefit, supported by postoperative physiotherapy, was well stabilized at 6-month follow-up, resulting in complete patient satisfaction at 12- and 36-month follow-ups. No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Ethanol embolization plus surgery is a safe, effective, and long-term hybrid treatment of symptomatic FAVA lesions.