Mucosal necrosis of the palate after embolization for labial arterioveinous malformation

Abstract

Objective: Cervico-facial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex and rare vascular lesions, and present in 0.1% of the population. Of traumatic or congenital origin, they are characterized by variable growth, and their complications can be disfiguring and potentially fatal. The treatment of choice is embolization followed by surgery if necessary. The main complications are recurrence and postoperative bleeding.

Case report: We report the rare case of a 59-year-old female patient who underwent embolization of a right upper labial and jugal AVM, followed by complete necrosis of the right hemi-palatal mucosa associated with dental mobility and pain. Follow-up at 6 months showed complete reepithelialisation of the palate.

 Conclusions: Soft tissue necrosis after AVM embolization is a rare event and is more commonly described after embolization for epistaxis. The evolution is generally favourable within a few weeks.