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Claudication on mastication following bilateral external carotid ligation
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Head & Neck
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Ligating both external carotid arteries for nosebleeds can reduce blood flow to chewing muscles, causing pain. This rare complication suggests the procedure should be reserved for specific, severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Vascular Surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds) can be severe and require surgical intervention.
- Ligation of external carotid arteries is a potential treatment for intractable epistaxis.
Observation:
- A decrease in blood supply to the muscles of mastication can occur following bilateral external carotid artery ligation.
- This reduced perfusion may lead to claudication-like pain during mastication.
Findings:
- Three cases of masticatory muscle claudication following bilateral external carotid artery ligation are presented.
- The complication appears to be a direct consequence of reduced arterial supply to the muscles involved in chewing.
Implications:
- Bilateral external carotid artery ligation should be considered a high-risk procedure for epistaxis management.
- Alternative or more selective surgical techniques should be explored to avoid this complication.
- Patient selection for this procedure must be highly judicious, reserved for life-threatening epistaxis unresponsive to other treatments.