[Arteriovenous malformation complicated by serious recurrent epistaxis]

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Vascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the head and neck region can present with epistaxis, though rarely.
• Management typically involves multidisciplinary teams including vascular surgeons, neurosurgeons, and maxillofacial surgeons.
• Otorhinolaryngology specialists are crucial when epistaxis causes significant morphological and functional changes.

Observation:

• A case of severe, recurrent epistaxis secondary to an invasive, right geniomasseteric cavernous hemangioma is presented.
• The patient experienced multiple admissions for epistaxis between 1982 and 1984.
• Surgical interventions included external carotid artery ligation and partial hemangioma ablation.

Findings:

• Despite surgical intervention, the patient suffered a massive epistaxis in 1984.
• The hemorrhage could not be controlled, leading to fatal hemorrhagic shock.
• This case underscores the potential severity and life-threatening nature of head and neck AVMs.

Implications:

• Highlights the critical role of otorhinolaryngology in managing complex epistaxis cases.
• Emphasizes the challenges in treating invasive head and neck hemangiomas.
• Underscores the potential for catastrophic outcomes even with multidisciplinary care.