Role of percutaneous transcatheter embolization (PTE) in the treatment of spontaneous bleeding associated with anticoagulant therapy

Purpose: To evaluate safety and clinical efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter embolization (PTE) in the treatment of spontaneous bleedings (SBs) in patients submitted to chronic anticoagulation therapy. Materials and methods: From January 2007 to December 2012, 20 patients (mean age 75.8 years, range 68–91 years) with 23 SBs were retrospectively evaluated. Active bleeding was documented by contrast enhanced-multidetector row computed tomography (CE-MDCT). PTE was performed using different embolic agents. Technical success (TS), clinical success (CS), late success (LS) and mortality rate (M) related to the angiographic procedure and complications were evaluated. Results: CE-MDCT and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) identified active bleeding sites in 18 cases (18/20). In two cases (2/20) DSA did not confirm the arterial bleeding diagnosed on CE-MDCT. Twenty-three sessions of PTE were performed. TS, CS, LS and M were, respectively, 100, 85, 15 and 0 %. No major complications were observed. Conclusions: PTE could be considered a safe and effective “first line” approach to treat SB associated with anticoagulation therapy.