Endovascular Treatment of Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula Following Hair Transplantation: Case Report

April 2022 in “ Research Square (Research Square) ”

Stefano Molinaro, Alberto Terrana, Francesco Alberto Vizzari, Andrea Giorgianni

hair transplantation scalp arteriovenous fistula AVF endovascular treatment embolization platinum detachable coils angiogram transarterial approach coiling occlusion glue embolization hair transplant scalp AVF endovascular therapy coil embolization

TLDR The conclusion is that treating scalp AVF caused by hair transplantation with endovascular methods like coiling is safe and effective.

The document presents a case of a 29-year-old male who developed a rare complication, scalp arteriovenous fistula (AVF), three months after undergoing a hair transplantation procedure. The patient noticed a small pulsating mass under the skin of his forehead, which worsened over time. Diagnostic imaging revealed the presence of a scalp frontoparietal AVF. The patient underwent endovascular treatment under general anesthesia, which involved embolization with platinum detachable coils. The procedure was successful with no complications, and the patient's symptoms resolved within 3-4 weeks. A follow-up angiogram after six months showed complete disappearance of the fistula. The document concludes that while scalp AVF is a rare complication of hair transplantation, both endovascular interventions and open surgery are safe and effective treatments. A thorough preliminary angiographic study is necessary, and if the vascular anatomy is favorable, a transarterial approach can be performed. Coiling occlusion is preferred over glue embolization as it avoids skin discoloration and subcutaneous mass at the fistula point.

View this study on researchsquare.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community 2020 Hair and Scalp Treatments: A Clinical Guide (in Depth 350 Page Guide)

in Treatment 62 upvotes 4 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, including topical immunotherapy, regenerative treatments, laser and light-based therapies, oral supplements, intralesional steroids, and new drugs like finasteride and minoxidil.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 1 month ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Scalp tension and thickness of the galea aponeurotica, inflammation and potential treatment pathways

in Research/Science 2 years ago

Scalp tension potentially affecting hair loss, and potential treatments for male pattern baldness such as Minoxidil, Finasteride and RU58841. Evidence from a study was discussed which suggests that the cause of MPB lies within the follicle itself and is not dependent on its surrounding environment.

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 1 year ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

community Verteporfin and Microneedling

in Treatments 3 months ago

Clinical studies by Dr. Barghouthi and Dr. Bloxham indicate that Verteporfin, when used with FUE and FUT hair transplantation methods, shows promise in hair follicle regeneration and minimal scarring due to its ability to inhibit Yes-associated protein (YAP). Microneedling at depths of 3-3.5mm, combined with Verteporfin, could potentially reactivate dormant follicles, although the optimal dosage and application method are still under investigation. Concerns remain about the DHT sensitivity of regenerated follicles, highlighting the need for further research to optimize trauma levels and Verteporfin concentrations to achieve effective and scar-free hair regeneration.

community Thinking about starting Fin for receding hairline. 5 year old male

in Satire 820 upvotes 1 year ago

A 5-year-old male considering using finasteride to prevent receding hairline, with suggestions ranging from topical minoxidil and estrogen treatments to hair transplantation and shaving.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula Following Hair Transplantation

9 citations, July 2013 in “Clinical Neuroradiology”

A man developed a rare blood vessel connection on his scalp after hair transplants, which was successfully treated with surgery.

research Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula Following Hair Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

3 citations, February 2018 in “Clinical Medical Reviews and Case Reports”

Hair transplants are usually safe but can rarely cause scalp AVF, which can be effectively treated with surgery or endovascular methods.

research Modern Endovascular and Aesthetic Surgery Techniques to Treat Arteriovenous Malformations of the Scalp: Case Illustration

25 citations, March 2008 in “Surgical Neurology”

New techniques for treating scalp blood vessel malformations are effective and can have good cosmetic results.

research Complications in Hair Restoration Surgery

25 citations, January 2009 in “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America”

Successful hair transplant surgery depends on careful patient selection, proper surgical plan and technique, and attentive aftercare.

research Microsurgical Reconstruction of Extensive Scalp Defects

50 citations, May 1999 in “Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery”

Microsurgical reconstruction effectively covers complex scalp defects but doesn't improve survival for cancer-related cases.