BACKGROUND: We frequently experience the elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) during ethanol sclerotherapy of arteriovenous malformations. But, the study on the degree of PAP elevation during ethanol sclerotherapy has not yet been made. Therefore, we evaluated the PAP elevation during ethanol sclerotherapy.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed PAP changes in 124 procedures conducted on 41 arteriovenous malformation patients during ethanol sclerotherapy. We investigated the degree of elevation of PAP and the incidences of pulmonary arterial hypertension during ethanol sclerotherapy.

RESULTS: High incidences of pulmonary arterial hypertension were observed during ethanol sclerotherapy (53/124 procedures, 42.7%). The mean highest PAP values were 33.8 ± 10.9 mmHg (systolic), 25.2 ± 7.9 mmHg (mean), and 18.3 ± 7.4 mmHg (diastolic). Incidence of nitroglycerine administration was 47.5% (59/124 procedures). Mean PAP values at the end of procedure was 29.1 ± 9.1 mmHg (systolic), 22.0 ± 7.0 mmHg (mean), and 16.1 ± 6.4 mmHg (diastolic).

Conclusion: The incidences of pulmonary hypertension during ethanol sclerotherapy were high. Therefore, cautious management and close cooperation between anesthesiologist and interventional radiologist are essential to prevent dreadful outcome.