Doxycycline sclerotherapy as primary treatment of head and neck lymphatic malformations in children

Abstract Purpose The authors report their experience with doxycycline sclerotherapy as primary treatment of head and neck lymphatic malformations (LMs) in children. Methods A retrospective chart review was used to collect data on 11 patients treated with doxycycline sclerotherapy for LMs of the head and neck at our institution since 2003. Radiographic imaging allowed classification of patient LM as macrocystic, microcystic, or mixed according to previously published guidelines. Only patients with macrocystic or mixed lesions were offered doxycycline sclerotherapy. Radiographic imaging and physical examination were used to determine efficacy of treatment. After each treatment, the clinical and radiographic response was characterized as excellent (≥95% decrease in lesion size), satisfactory (≥50% decrease in volume and asymptomatic), or poor (