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

Abstract

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.