Large arteriovenous high-flow mandibular, malformation with exsanguinating dental socket haemorrhage: a case report

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the jaws are extremely rare lesions, which are probably hamartomas of developmental malformations. In this article we present an extremely high-flow AVM of the lower jaw with exsanguinating bleeding from the socket of the exfoliated tooth. Repeated episodic bleedings were controlled with local pressure and packing. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a high-flow, high-shunt AVM. Preoperative embolization and external carotid artery ligation, dental extraction, curettage and packing with Gelfoam were done. Postoperative bleeding stopped, bruit ceased, and it had disappeared completely after 6 months follow-up. On the second follow-up visit, 3 months later, the patient was found to have no problems.