Calibre-persistent artery: a vascular anomaly of the labial mucosa

The aim of this study was to characterise the clinical and histologic features of calibre-persistent arteries (CPAs). A retrospective search of the archives of our diagnostic oral pathology service was performed for CPAs diagnosed between 2010 and 2025.There were 45 CPAs in 44 patients. The female-to-male ratio was 1.6:1, with a mean age of 50.8 years. The majority of CPAs occurred on the lower lip and most were described as blue or pink in colour. Lesions were usually asymptomatic; however, some patients reported fluctuations in size or drainage. A history of trauma or irritation was reported in 7/45 cases. The most common clinical impression was of a mucocele, followed by fibroma and varix. CPA was not included in the clinical differential diagnosis in any case. Bleeding complications during surgery were reported in 3/45 cases.We have presented the largest case series of histologically confirmed CPAs in the literature. It is critical for clinicians and pathologists to be aware of this entity due to its resemblance to more commonly encountered reactive oral lesions and the risk of profuse bleeding during surgical intervention. Clinicians should be prepared to manage such bleeding complications when excising a lesion from the lip.