Postembolization syndrome

A total of 44 women with an average age of 58 years were enrolled. Bilateral lesions were present in all patients. Bone metastases were present in 30 patients (63%). Liver-related symptoms were reported in all patients. The average dose of radiation administered was 2.1 GBq (56 mCi). All patients reported mild to moderate postembolization syndrome of nausea, vomiting, fever and mild upper quadrant pain, which was treated symptomatically. Only eight patients required hospitalization for more than 1 night for pain control or dehydration. Grade 3 toxicities of nausea and vomiting were present in seven patients. Two patients had documented stomach ulcers. No deaths attributable to the procedure occurred. 

The post-embolization syndrome comprises a constellation of symptoms including pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and leukocytosis due to ischemia or infarction of the embolized organ [85]. The postembolization syndrome per se is almost expected sequelae of the procedure and should not be considered a complication. It is much more common with a solid organ embolization and when sclerosant agents are used. Shock and cardiovascular collapse have also been rarely described during embolization with absolute alcohol [51]. 

A common symptom after TACE is the so-called postembolization syndrome, consisting of transient abdominal pain, fever, abnormal fatigue, nausea, and emesis. These symptoms continue for some days and can be treated orally with antiemetics and analgesics... 

At our institution, outpatients are typically observed overnight and hematocrit levels are checked to watch for postprocedural complications. Postembolization syndrome consisting of pain, fever, and nausea can be seen in the first 24 hours following intervention. Follow-up Doppler ultrasound can be used to assess the success of embolization. However, the timing and frequency of reimaging are debatable. There are reports in the literature demonstrating that recanalization of treated aneurysms can occur. 

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