Can a patient with Wegener's vasculitis be treated with sclerotherapy?

If a patient has Wegener's vasculitis and is taking methotrexate to treat it, can he/she have sclerotherapy with sotradecol?

Answers from doctors (5)


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Jun 20, 2013

This is an interesting and complicated question. If the areas to be treated are minimal and are strictly spider veins, you very likely could have sclerotherapy done. But, you are on methotrexate, which can suppress the immune system and subsequently increase the risk of possible ulceration at the treatment site. Probably your best and safest course of action would be to consult your primary care provider and/or the provider treating you for Wegener's vasculitis and discuss with them your desire to have sclerotherapy and see if they feel it is contraindicated due to your condition. All the very best!

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

This is an interesting and complicated question. If the areas to be treated are minimal and are strictly spider veins, you very likely could have sclerotherapy done. But, you are on methotrexate, which can suppress the immune system and subsequently increase the risk of possible ulceration at the treatment site. Probably your best and safest course of action would be to consult your primary care provider and/or the provider treating you for Wegener's vasculitis and discuss with them your desire to have sclerotherapy and see if they feel it is contraindicated due to your condition. All the very best!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 18, 2013

It is usually recommended that sclerotherapy be done with polidocanol instead since it is the safest drug used for sclerotherapy. With the treatment being in the legs, I don't see a reason not to treat the veins unless directed otherwise by your physician. Given your condition and the medication you are taking for it, it would be best if you seek out an experienced interventional radiologist for treatment.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It is usually recommended that sclerotherapy be done with polidocanol instead since it is the safest drug used for sclerotherapy. With the treatment being in the legs, I don't see a reason not to treat the veins unless directed otherwise by your physician. Given your condition and the medication you are taking for it, it would be best if you seek out an experienced interventional radiologist for treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jun 17, 2013

I have treated several patients on methotrexate without incident, so it's OK. Just be sure to find a highly-qualified specialist who has experience treating patients with your condition and working with patients who take that medication.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

I have treated several patients on methotrexate without incident, so it's OK. Just be sure to find a highly-qualified specialist who has experience treating patients with your condition and working with patients who take that medication.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 13, 2013

It is not recommended that a patient with Wegener's vasculitis be treated with sclerotherapy.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is not recommended that a patient with Wegener's vasculitis be treated with sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 13, 2013

I have not treated a patient with Wegener's vasculitis before, but I have treated patients with other collagen disorders, as well as those who have vasculitis and are on methotrexate. In these cases, I used polidocanol (both liquid and foam) on all of them. They responded well to treatment.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I have not treated a patient with Wegener's vasculitis before, but I have treated patients with other collagen disorders, as well as those who have vasculitis and are on methotrexate. In these cases, I used polidocanol (both liquid and foam) on all of them. They responded well to treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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