Arterial embolization in metastases of malignant carcinoid to the liver

Transcatheter embolization of the hepatic artery was carried out in 6 patients with nonresectable metastases of malignant carcinoid to the liver. Progress of metastases in all six patients and the carcinoid syndrome in four were indications for the intervention. After embolization the tumor reduced in size and the carcinoid syndrome disappeared in all the six patients. Three patients died 9, 10 and 38 months after arterial embolization, two of them from generalized tumorous process. Three patients are alive 5, 12 and 24 months after the operation. A conclusion is made on the efficacy of embolization of the hepatic artery as a method of palliative treatment of this condition. 11 refs.; 3 figs