Arteriovenous malformation of the maxilla

The highly vascular nature of the head and neck area provides a particularly enhanced challenge to the head and neck surgeon when a vascular lesion is encountered. Vascular malformations in this area are classified according to the microanatomical architecture and clinical appearance of the lesion. Although bleeding is a common presentation with vascular malformations, other local and systemic problems may be associated with this problem. An unusual case of an arteriovenous malformation of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses which caused persistent and recurrent epistaxis is presented. A review of the current literature concerning vascular lesions of the head and neck area is included. Adequate treatment of this lesion presently includes angiographically controlled vascular embolization followed by complete surgical excision.