Transarterial embolization using pingyangmycin lipiodol emulsion and polyvinyl alcohol for the treatment of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical resection is the current treatment for focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver (FNH) when indicated. However, tumor location and size, patient comorbidities, and risk of complications may limit surgical options in some cases. Our goal was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) using pingyangmycin lipiodol emulsion (PLE) and polyvinyl alcohol particles to treat FNH.

METHODOLOGY: Four patients with FNH, who experienced dull pain in the upper abdomen or liver area and confirmed by biopsy, were treated by TAE with PLE and polyvinyl alcohol (diameter: 500µm-700µm). Therapeutic effects including changes in lesion diameter and symptomatic improvement, and occurrence of complications, were evaluated for a follow-up period ranging from 12 to 42 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

All of four patients were successfully treated with PLE and polyvinyl alcohol embolization. One month after the procedure, dull pain in the upper abdomen or liver area vanished completely. Follow-up examination by CT or MRI revealed complete resolution in two cases and an obvious decrease in the other two cases. No immediate or delayed postembolization complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION

Transarterial embolization using PLE and polyvinyl alcohol should be considered as a safe and effective method for the treatment of FNH.