Interventional embolization combined with surgical resection for treatment of extracranial AVM of the head and neck: A monocentric retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of treating patients with extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the head and neck with interventional embolization followed by surgical resection. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all patients between 2012 and 2021 with extracranial AVM of the head and neck scheduled for interdisciplinary treatment according to University Hospital RWTH Aachen’s protocol and conducted standardized interviews using a newly developed questionnaire. Interview results, as well as clinical examination and radiographic outcome results were analyzed to help determine the efficacy of our treatment approach. RESULTS: We included 10 patients (8 female, 2 male), with a mean age of 33.5 (11–61) years who were scheduled for treatment of the AVM with interventional embolization followed by surgical resection. In 6 of the 10 patients (60%) the lesion was located in extracranial soft tissue only. In one patient (10%), the lesion was located in bone tissue only. A combined intraosseous and oral soft tissue lesion was seen in the remaining 3 patients (30%). Radiographic resolution was achieved in 62.5% of cases and a significant decrease of symptoms was identified (p = 0.002). None of the patients reported dissatisfaction and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: An interdisciplinary treatment approach combining neuroradiological interventions with surgical resection appears to be an effective treatment with an acceptable complication rate. Patients treated according to our protocol showed a high satisfaction rate, regardless of the radiographic outcome. Standardized follow-up allows for early detection of recurrences and helps with subjective patient satisfaction.