Introduction: Intracranial hemangioblastomas are highly vascular tumors that account for 1-2% of all central nervous system tumors.They occur either sporadically or in association with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and are commonly located in the posterior fossa. Preoperative embolization has been proposed to limit the often significant intraoperative blood loss. Previous reports have found conflicting evidence of the safety and efficacy of preoperative embolization of hemangioblastomas, with some reporting good outcomes3 and others reporting serious complications. We reviewed the safety and efficacy of preoperative embolization of surgically resected intracranial hemangioblastomas at two high-volume neurosurgical referral centers and compared these outcomes to a control group of non-embolized patients, with a focus on the safety profile of different embolic agents.

Methods: A retrospective review of all surgically resected intracranial hemangioblastomas treated with preoperative embolization between 1999 and 2014 at two high-volume centers was performed. A second cohort of patients treated without preoperative embolization was also reviewed. Clinical and radiographic criteria, including von Hippel-Lindau status, MRI tumor characteristics, embolization-related complications, degree of angiographic devascularization, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements and operative time were analyzed.

Results: Fifty-four total patients underwent surgical in this series, with twenty-four receiving preoperative embolization followed by surgical resection, and thirty patients receiving surgical resection alone. Embolization was associated with slightly greater intraoperative blood loss, but did not affect transfusion requirements. Embolization-related neurological complications were seen in six patients (25%), including three hemorrhages and three infarctions with permanent neurologic deficits were seen in 15%. Complications were associated with embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles, Onyx copolymer and n-BCA. There were, however, a significantly higher rate of hemorrhage associated with particle based embolization compared liquid based embolization (p=0.042)

Conclusions: Preoperative embolization of intracranial hemangioblastomas should be performed with caution given the potential for neurological complications. The choice of embolization agent may affect complication rates.

Patient Care: Hemangioblastomas are highly vascular lesions that are associated with significant blood loss intra-operatively. Pre-operative embolization is thought to minimize blood loss, thereby decreasing morbidity/mortality associated with tumor resection. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of this technique for patients undergoing hemangioblastoma resection. Our database (n=54) from 2 high volume centers (University of Washington and Barrow Neurological Institute) represents one of the largest series till date and we believe will contribute to our understanding of the role of embolization in treating hemangioblastomas.

Learning Objectives: 1. Safety profile of particle agents may be different from liquid agents 2. Recognize and manage the complications associated with pre-operative embolization of hemangioblastoma

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