Preoperative liquid embolization of cerebeller hemangioblastomas using N-butyl cyanoacrylate.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to present and discuss clinical outcomes of preoperative liquid embolization of hemangioblastomas (HB) using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). METHODS: From 1999 through 2010, 19 patients presenting with symptoms of vertigo and/or headaches were diagnosed with HB based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiographic findings at our institution. Preoperative embolization with NBCA was performed on tumors in 10 of 21 operations for 19 patients. For each of these patients, the lesion was pathologically confirmed as HB. RESULTS: Embolization had a favorable outcome in all patients. No permanent neurological complications were observed after preoperative embolization using NBCA. However, thalamic infarction and minor hemorrhage were observed in two patients with cerebellar HB. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend NBCA as an embolization material for large cerebellar HB.