Periorbital Inner Canthal Arteriovenous Malformations: Percutaneous Glue Embolization in Three Cases

Abstract

Inner canthal or palpebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon and difficult lesions to treat if they are of high-flow type. Though they may present with mainly cosmetic reasons, they derive feeders from the ophthalmic artery and are associated with dangerous anastomoses. Percutaneous liquid embolic agent has been used to treat various head and neck vascular malformations and tumors and, if done in meticulous attention to detail, can offer cure or control before surgical excision. We report three adults who presented with medial canthal swelling and on imaging diagnosed to have high-flow AVMs. They underwent percutaneous n-butyl cyanoacrylate (glue) embolization and subsequently operated to excise the embolized malformation without any blood loss or complications.