Arteriovenous malformations and vascular anatomy of the upper lip and soft palate

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are a difficult clinical problem. These lesions may be extensive and diffuse and frequently prove refractory to the usual surgical methods of treatment. This paper presents three unusual AVMs of the orofacial region. Two were acquired AVMs of the upper lip, one involving columella; the third was a congential AVM of the soft palate. Complete surgical excision, following embolization, is the most successful therapy of traumatic AVM of the upper lip at this time. In addition, the blood supply of the upper lip and columella is presented, as it was found in ten cadaver dissections.