TRANSARTERIAL EMBOLIZATION FOR CHRONIC SHOULDER TENDINOPATHY AND BURSITIS: EARLY CLINICAL OUTCOMES USING DEGRADABLE STARCH MICROSPHERES
A. Zolovkins, G. Orgera, E. Ronconi, M. Doddi, A.M. Tipaldi, M. Rossi | Interventional Radiology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Background and Aims. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of transarterial embolization (TAE) with degradable starch microspheres (EmboCept®) in patients with chronic shoulder tendinopathy/bursitis refractory to conservative therapy.
Methods. This prospective single-center study (July - December 2025) included 10 consecutive patients (6 women, 4 men; mean age 66.3 ± 15.6 years) with unilateral shoulder tendinopathy/bursitis treated with TAE. Laterality was left in 7 and right in 4 cases. All procedures used EmboCept® degradable starch microspheres. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) at baseline, 48 hours, 3 months, and 6 months when available. Descriptive statistics were calculated for available follow-ups.
Results. The mean baseline SPADI was 96.3 ± 30.1 (n = 11). At 48 hours (n = 10), mean SPADI decreased to 37.1 ± 35.0, corresponding to a 61% relative improvement. At 3 months (n = 8), mean SPADI was 42.4 ± 34.5 (56% relative improvement vs. baseline). One patient had 6-month follow-up (SPADI 31). Most patients demonstrated rapid early pain and disability reduction; however, variability at 3 months was observed, including one case with clinical worsening (SPADI 100). No major complications were recorded in the dataset.
Conclusions. TAE with degradable starch microspheres for chronic shoulder tendinopathy/bursitis appears technically feasible and is associated with substantial early SPADI improvement, with maintained benefit at 3 months in most patients. Outcomes show inter-individual variability, emphasizing the necessity of larger prospective studies with standardized imaging selection and complete follow-up to define durability and predictors of response.
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