Objective: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and predictors of response of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) to treat hepatic hemangiomas (HHs).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of consecutive HH patients who received TAE with bleomycin-Lipiodol emulsion and gelatin sponge particles at three institutions from January 2014 to January 2021. TAE effectiveness was defined as more than 50% reduction of tumor volume. The effectiveness, safety, and CT changes of hemangiomas after TAE were assessed. Factors affecting TAE efficacy on tumor size were analyzed with logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 102 patients with 109 HHs were included. After treatment, both the tumor diameter and volume were significantly reduced from 8.5 ± 3.9 to 5.9 ± 3.8 cm (P < 0.001) and 412.6 ± 742.3 cm3 to 102.0 ± 232.7 cm3 (P < 0.001), respectively. TAE effectiveness was achieved in 80.7% (88/109) of hemangiomas, which was characterized by progressive reduction in tumor volume over time with Lipiodol retention. Atypical enhancement pattern (tiny enhancing dots in the hepatic arterial and portal venous phase) (p = 0.001) and central arterioportal shunt (APS) (p = 0.002) associated with the tumor were independent predictors of TAE ineffectiveness. Postembolization syndrome and transient increase in liver enzymes were common without severe complications and death.

Conclusions: TAE was safe and effective in reducing HH size. Lesion enhancement pattern and APS type were associated with TAE efficacy on tumor shrinkage. Methods: Level 3, non-controlled retrospective cohort study.