Analysis of angiographic characteristics of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and investigation of the value of transcatheter arterial embolization therapy

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the angiographic characteristics of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and investigate the value of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) therapy. METHODS: The clinical data of infants diagnosed with KHE at the department from June 2013 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 34 infants received TAE therapy. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated 4 weeks after the therapy. The angiographic characteristics were analyzed by comparing them with the angiographic characteristics of infantile hemangioma (IH), and the times of TAE therapy and the platelet level after each TAE therapy in infants with KHE were summarized. RESULTS: The present study showed that the capillary blush of KHE was irregular with an obscure boundary and nonuniform distribution. Many fine feeding arteries were present. The diameter of the feeding arteries was disproportionate to the volume of the tumor blush. The normal arteries were usually embedded in the tumor blush. The angiography of common IH in infants also showed tumor blush, but it was usually round with a clear boundary and uniform staining, and was distributed on 1 side of the normal arterial trunk. The infants with KHE received TAE therapy for 2 to 5 times/case, with a total of 104.0 times, with an average of 3.1±0.8/case. Among which, the platelets continued to decline for 9 times after TAE therapy and the platelets increased to ≥100×10(9)/L in 7.8±3.2 days for 95 times after TAE therapy, The average relapse time was 30.0±15.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: The feeding arteries of KHE were numerous and fine and were not easily embolized. The application of TAE may rapidly improve the platelet level, but the long-term effect is poor.