Peripheral vascular malformations (PVMs) represent a wide spectrum of vascular abnormalities occurring due to anomalous connections between arteries, veins, capillaries, and lymphatic channels at the microscopic level, in different combinations. They are rare and challenging to treat. Different operators may have different approaches based on their experience and expertise. Sclerotherapy either alone or in combination with embolization has been used as an independent method for the treatment of PVMs.PurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy and embolization, with or without surgery, for the treatment of peripheral vascular malformations, based on our approach.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of all patients with PVMs treated in our interventional radiology department from 2011 to 2017 was carried out. Medical records, imaging, and follow-up notes were reviewed to evaluate the response to treatment and post-procedure complications.ResultsThirty-four sessions were performed in 15 patients (eight male, seven female) with PVMs. Low-flow lesions were identified in 10, intermediate flow in one, and high flow in four patients. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) was used as the sclerotherapeutic agent in 10 (66.67%), glue with lipoidal in three (20.0%), and bleomycin in one patient (6.67%). Coils with PVA and a covered stent were used in one and a combination of coil, PVA, and gel foam was used in one patient. A marked response was seen in 11 and a partial response in four patients. One patient developed foot gangrene. Stent thrombosis was noted in one patient with no clinical consequences. Recurrence was seen in two patients, who were lost to follow up.ConclusionPVMs are complex lesions. Sclerotherapy with or without embolization is a safe and effective treatment modality, with clinical response approaching 100%.

BACKGROUND: The growth in the elderly population is predicted to expand exponentially and developing countries like Pakistan have about two-third of the global elderly population. It is vital to maintain the health of the elderly aged population to reduce disabilities and health-care cost. AIM: This study aimed to determine the health promotion practices among the older aged population in Pakistan and to explore the factors associate with adopting healthy lifestyle practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study spanning from 2019 to 2020 conducted on 317 participants of age more than 60 years in Pakistan. The participants included healthy attendants of patients visiting the outpatient clinics of different disciplines in the Liaquat National Hospital Karachi through purposive sampling technique. The health-promoting practices were assessed using Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Questionnaire. The factors that determined the healthy practices among the elderly population were identified using independent t-test and analysis of variance and Tukey test, with a significance level of P < 0.05. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: The highest subscale was detected from interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth. The lowest score was detected from physical activity. The scores differed significantly by occupation, education, and the marital status of the participants. Females, unmarried people, those who were less educated, and participants relying on others for financial support had lower health-promoting lifestyle scores. CONCLUSION: The overall health-promoting practices were good among the old-aged population of Pakistan. These practices differed particularly for physical activity, spiritual growth, and interpersonal relationships.