Related Experiment Videos
[Pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery after tonsillectomy. A rare complication]
F Menauer1, M Suckfüll, A Stäbler
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenkanke, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Background:
Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology; however, life-threatening complications can occur in rare cases.
Patients:
We report about a seven-year-old girl who developed a pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery following elective routine tonsillectomy.
Results And Conclusion:
Initial ENT examination will reveal a painful cervical mass or unilateral palatal swelling that can easily be misinterpreted as a peritonsillar (or parapharyngeal) abscess. Computed tomography and angiography are indicated to confirm the diagnosis. Bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm of any branch of the external carotid artery represents a serious and life-threatening complication. Surgery is the treatment of choice.