Cutaneous complications of hepatic chemoembolization via extrahepatic collaterals

PURPOSE: To report cutaneous complications occurring after chemoembolization of hepatic tumors via extrahepatic collaterals. METHODS: Five patients underwent chemoembolization via the internal mammary (n = 3), intercostal (n = 1), or multiple extrahepatic collateral vessels supplying liver metastases. RESULTS: Painful induration and discoloration of the skin in the distribution of the superior epigastric or intercostal arteries occurred in four patients, with transmural necrosis in two, One required surgical excision, One patient developed a radiation burn after 12 procedures and eventually developed a squamous cell carcinoma at the site, which required resection and skin grafting. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous injury can occur after chemoembolization of extrahepatic collaterals. Scrupulous technique is required to avoid nontarget embolization of chemotherapeutic drugs. High cumulative radiation doses to localized areas of skin can occur in patients undergoing multiple procedures.