Extensive facial vascular malformations and haemangiomas: a review of the literature and case reports

Intra-Lesional Medicaments for the Management of Intra-Osseous Lesions of Maxilla and Mandible - Systematic Review

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to review the success or remission of intralesional medicaments in the management of intraosseous lesions in the oral cavity.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive search was performed in two databases (PubMed and Scopus). Research articles, case reports, case series, and clinical trials were included. Review articles, lesions not involving the bone, incomplete reporting, any other treatment other than intralesional medicaments to treat intraosseous bone lesions, publications without any treatment, and letter to editor were excluded. Data on remission (complete, partial, or no remission), details and regimen of the intervention, number of participants, and follow-up in months were recorded.

Results:

A total of 653 publications were available for title and abstract screening after the removal of duplicates. Seven articles were excluded, which were not in English. After title and abstract screening, a total of 88 publications were available for full-text screening. Fifty-five articles were included in qualitative synthesis. A total of 168 patients from 55 publications were evaluated. Minimum follow-up was 1 month and maximum was 264 months. More than two-third (n = 38) of the publications were case reports on single patient. More than two-third (n = 38) of the publications had complete remission.

Conclusion:

Intralesional medications have shown variable success rates. Extensive lesions may undergo intralesional medications followed by surgical management.

A Venous Malformation of the Inferior Turbinate: A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Arteriovenous Malformations of the head and neck are rare vascular anomalies that can be aggressive and lethal. It is crucial to have a high clinical suspicion to avoid the consequent mortality and morbidity that may result from bleeding. We present the case of a rare inferior turbinate venous malformation in a 17 year old female that presented with epistaxis and was treated with surgery. Treatment varies and depends on the stage; however complete resection should be the goal to prevent recurrence. The endoscopic endonasal approach is minimally invasive, safe and effective in selected patients.

Management of an Extensive Vascular Lesion on the Lip by Photocoagulation with High-Intensity Diode Laser

OBJECTIVE

Extensive vascular malformations (VM) pose difficulties for an effective management.

INTRODUCTION

This article describes a very satisfactory result, both functional and aesthetic, following a management by the technique of photocoagulation using diode laser in an extensive VM lesion involving the lower lip and left buccal mucosa in a 25 year old male.

CASE REPORT

The patient reported that the lesion had been present since birth. The whole treatment, carried out under local anesthesia, spread over 6 months since as many as 4 sessions of laser, with a 1.5-month interval in each, were required. The resting period between sessions played an important part in treatment by allowing a time for the recovery of the patient and the shrinking of the lesion.

CONCLUSION

The patient had no complications during the laser sessions, and his postoperative period was uneventful. No recurrence has been seen after a 2.5-year follow-up.

Massive glosso-cervical arteriovenous malformation: The rationale for a challenging surgical resection

Massive arterivenous malformations (AVM) in the cervico-facial area are rare but potentially life-threatening. Treatment protocols are not well-established. A 41-year old man presented large painless rubber-like mass within the entire neck, which also extended intraorally through the floor of the mouth, showing a slow growing pattern for 5 years. Angiography diagnosed it as cervicofacial AVM. Treatment approach consisted on the embolization of the right upper thyroid, lingual and facial arteries under intravenous sedation. Three days later, bilateral radical neck dissection and subtotal glossectomy was performed. A musculo-cutaneous pectoralis major pedicled flap was harvested to reconstruct the floor of the mouth. Treatment of massive AVMs in the cervico-facial area is challenging due to the associated disfigurement and frequent recurrence rate due to incomplete resection. Also, massive bleeding may be present despite pre-operative super-selective embolization. A new case is presented with focus on surgical treatment considerations.

Key words:Arteriovenous malformation, high-flow vascular malformation, cervical region, tongue, surgical resection

Consider obstructive sleep apnea in patients with oropharyngeal vascular malformations

INTRODUCTION

Patients with oropharyngeal vascular malformations with complaints of upper airway obstruction were referred to a sleep specialist to investigate the existence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Demography, complaints, localization, and extent of the malformation were noted. The Epworth Sleeping Scale (ESS) and a polysomnography were performed to analyze the existence of OSA.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with vascular malformations in the upper oropharyngeal tract were referred, with a mean age of 49 years (range, 20-77 years). The male: female ratio was 7:6. In 2 patients the ESS was missed, and in the other 11 patients the mean ESS was 11.7 (range, 4-23). After polysomnography, 11 of the 13 patients (85%) were diagnosed with OSA, of whom 7 patients had severe OSA.

CONCLUSION

Patients with oropharyngeal vascular malformations with complaints of upper airway obstruction have a high risk of OSA, and should be referred to a sleep specialist.

Life-threatening bleeding after tooth extraction due to vascular malformation: a case report and literature review

Severe hemorrhages of the oral cavity may be caused by arteriovenous malformations. This case report concerns a 52-year-old healthy female who presented with a painful lower third molar and an extensive arteriovenous high-flow malformation of the floor of the right side of the mouth. During the extraction of the right lower wisdom tooth, an episode of massive life-threatening bleeding occurred. Since the therapy for intraoral arteriovenous malformations of the soft tissue is complex and often difficult to perform, the modus operandi of the present case is presented, and a review of the literature is included.

Posttraumatic arteriovenous malformation of the face: a case report

BACKGROUND

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are reported to occur in 0.1% of the population. Extracranial AVMs account for only 8.1% of head and neck AVMs. Of these, traumatically acquired AVMs of the face are generally reported as quite rare. When secondary to trauma, the lesion is usually supplied by a single vessel, as compared to the multiple vessels often seen with congenital etiology.

OBJECTIVES

Understanding of regional anatomy is paramount when assessing and managing facial injuries. As an integral health care provider for the facial trauma patient, it is the responsibility of the emergency physician to recognize this rare pathologic lesion necessary to coordinate surgical management of the traumatic AVM.

CASE REPORT

We present a case report of a patient who sustained a facial laceration complicated by the development of a vascular malformation. The facial laceration in this case report highlights the complexity of wound evaluation and management when treating patients in the emergency department.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic AVMs are quite rare in the head and neck and are mostly seen in the extremities. Although rare, they have been reported after typical facial trauma as well as elective surgical procedures. The management of such lesions may include selective embolization or surgical exploration with ligation. Emergency physicians and facial trauma surgeons are challenged with recognizing and treating these rare but very real vascular lesions. It is our hope that this case report provides an overview of posttraumatic AVMs in the head and neck.

Pingyangmycin with triamcinolone acetonide effective for treatment of lymphatic malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of intralesion injection of pingyangmycin in combination with triamcinolone acetonide or pingyangmycin alone on lymphatic malformations in oral and maxillofacial regions.

METHODS

Twenty-nine cases with lymphatic malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region were divided into experimental and control groups. Thirteen patients in the experimental group underwent intralesion injections of pingyangmycin in combination with triamcinolone acetonide, and 16 patients of control group underwent intralesion injections of pingyangmycin alone. The effects of treatments were assessed by measuring lesion volume and facial deformity before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Two years after the treatment, the volumes of macrocystic and microcystic lesions were 3.7% ± 0.3 and 4.2% ± 0.4 of pre-treatment volume in the experimental group, respectively, whereas the volumes of macrocystic and microcystic lesions in control group were 15.4% ± 1.3 and 24.1% ± 3.1, respectively. Facial appearance was satisfactory in all subjects in the experimental group, whereas facial asymmetry remained in varying degree in control group.

CONCLUSION

Intralesion injection of pingyangmycin with triamcinolone acetonide was more effective than pingyangmycin alone for treatment of lymphatic malformations in oral and maxillofacial regions.

Use of the radial forearm artery for secondary embolization of an extensive life-threatening arteriovenous malformation of the mid-face and anterior skull base - a case report

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the head and neck are rare conditions with the majority of primary sites in the mid-face. Progression can lead to massive life-threatening bleeding. Treatment of choice is the combination of embolization and surgical resection. Diagnosis and management of AVM has been facilitated in recent years by the progress in imaging techniques and various microsurgical and endovascular embolization procedures.

METHODS

This report presents the interdisciplinary approach to a case of life-threatening AVM of the mid-face in a 30-year-old patient.

RESULTS

Angiography with embolization followed by resection and plastic reconstruction was performed. Follow-up showed incomplete obliteration of the AVM and lead to additional embolizations via the anastomosed radial artery. Complete eradication of the AVM was not possible during the three year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

In extensive vascular malformations of the head and neck, complete surgical removal is often impossible and associated with high risk of complications and mortality. Endovascular embolization is limited by the location of the AVM and can potentially cause stroke, ischaemia, necrosis, bleeding, blindness and adverse haemodynamic changes.

Large arteriovenous malformation of the oromaxillofacial region with multiple phleboliths

Vascular tumors are the most common benign tumors of the head and neck in infancy and childhood. Vascular anomalies of the head and neck were divided into 2 categories including hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Oral and maxillofacial hemangiomas and vascular malformations are congenital lesions with various clinical characteristics, manifestations, indications, and possibilities for treatment. This paper reports a case of large arteriovenous malformations including a description of the features demonstrated by panoramic radiography, cone beam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The differential diagnosis and treatment modalities (including embolization with N-butylcyanoacrylate in this case) are also discussed following the case presentation, along with the available literature review.

Arterio venous malformation of the face: surgical treatment

OBJECTIVE

This article reports a case of arteriovenous malformation of the face and upper lip. It discusses the diagnostic aids, surgical treatment and the results obtained.

METHODS

A vascular malformation with Arterio venous shunts of the left cheek and upper lip was treated by surgical excision in a young 26 year old patient. Ligation of the feeding vessels followed by surgical excision has been discussed. The lesion was approached through modified Weber Fergusson incision with extension into contralateral lip.

FOLLOW UP

Secondary cosmetic correction was done two months postoperatively. In a one year, there was no recurrence of the arteriovenous malformation with acceptable cosmetic results.

CONCLUSIONS

A combined treatment including ligation of feeding vessels and surgical excision has been effective and safe in this patient. It was done due to cost factors, and inavailability of embolization facilities.The location and extent of a vascular malformation should dictate the preoperative investigations, surgical procedure and subsequent outcome.

Endovascular treatment of arteriovenous malformation

Vascular anomalies are common congenital or neonatal abnormalities. According to the approved classification of vascular lesions by Glowacki and Mulliken, hemangiomas and vascular malformations are distinguishable. Hemangiomas usually appear during the first days or weeks after birth and grow faster than the whole body of the infant. They are proliferating benign tumors that often involute. The opposite of hemangiomas, vascular malformations are present at birth, grow commensurately with the patient, demonstrate normal endothelial turnover, and never involute. The case of a young woman with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) located on the left side of her face beneath the lower lip is described. The patient did not have any specific complaints except the cosmetic effect, which was a reddish and bluish discoloration of the skin over the lesion. The AVM was embolized with polyvinyl alcohol, and no subsequent surgery was performed. Follow-up ultrasound examination after a 12-month period showed no flow within the lesion area.

[Embolotherapy: principles and indications]

Vascular embolizations are complex and sophisticated procedures and can be a powerful alternative or useful adjunct to surgery in many clinical situations. Hemorrhage, vascular malformations, and tumors are the main indications for embolization procedures. Establishing the correct indication for intervention as well as the proper embolic agent and the most suitable catheterization technique requires advanced knowledge in interventional radiology, and an interdisciplinary approach is a prerequisite. A broad spectrum of microcatheters and embolization materials is available for these therapies. The desired level of occlusion and the individual vascular territory determine the choice of mechanical devices, particles, or liquid substances. Sclerosing agents and thrombin are used in special situations such as varicoceles and pseudoaneurysms.

Venous vascular malformations of the craniofacial region: pre-operative embolisation with direct percutaneous puncture and N-butyl cyanoacrylate

Craniofacial venous vascular malformations cause severe cosmetic problems and yet these lesions are not candidates for transcatheter embolisation owing to the lack of arterial feeders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-operative embolisation of these lesions with N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) via direct puncture. Between September 2003 and April 2006, 13 patients (7 female; age range, 6-64 years; mean, 16.7 years) were embolised with direct puncture and injection of NBCA. All of the patients were referred from plastic surgery with an operational plan. Angiography performed in all patients showed no or little arterial staining. NBCA diluted with iodized oil at a ratio of 1:6 (18%) was injected via a percutaneously placed 21 gauge needle. Complete embolisation was achieved in 8 patients and partial embolisation in the remaining 5. A total of 18 sessions of embolisation were performed on 13 patients. Nine patients underwent only one embolisation session, three patients underwent two sessions and only one patient underwent three sessions. The mean volume of NBCA used per session was 5.8 ml, ranging from 1-12 ml. All patients underwent a successful surgical resection to improve cosmetic disfigurement within 10-15 days after the embolisation procedure. Mean follow-up time was 22 months. One patient experienced skin necrosis on her nose after embolisation. No other complications related to the procedure were observed. In conclusion, pre-operative NBCA embolisation with direct puncture is a safe and easy procedure. It can increase the success of the surgical treatment of these lesions.

Forty-one Cervicofacial Vascular Anomalies and Their Surgical Treatment – Retrospection and Review

Introduction: Haemangiomas in children usually involute spontaneously and surgical treatment is exceptional. Vascular malformations do not regress spontaneously and resection may become necessary. We present a series of surgically treated face and neck vascular anomalies during a 9-year period, assessing the epidemiology, presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic modalities, indications for surgery, treatment methods and clinical outcome post-treatment. Materials and Methods: The medical and pathological records of all patients with cervicofacial vascular anomalies treated surgically at our department from 1997 to 2005 were retrospectively reviewed in relation to current evidence. Results: Forty-one patients were identified. Of these, 9 patients had haemangiomas and the remaining 32 had a variety of vascular malformations. Cervicofacial vascular anomalies were most commonly located at the lip. Atypical looking vascular anomalies like masseteric intramuscular haemangiomas and parotid malformations were diagnostic problems. All 41 had surgical excision of their vascular anomalies for troubling symptoms, cosmesis or diagnostic purpose. For cervicofacial arteriovenous malformations, 28% were classified as Schobinger stage I, 50% stage II, and the remainder stage III. Combined embolisation-resection was used to treat 6 arteriovenous malformations (stage II to III) and of these, 3 required flap reconstruction. Conclusions: Accurate diagnosis distinguishing between cervicofacial haemangiomas and vascular malformations is key to best treatment. The diagnosis can usually be made by history and physical examination aided by early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although cervicofacial haemangiomas can be managed conservatively or with medical therapy, surgery is indicated for preventing psychological distress and in cases of chronic aesthetic alteration resulting from partial regression. Aesthetic concerns and prevention of psychosocial distress point to early excision of venous malformation as the treatment of choice. Lymphatic malformations are best treated by excision. Outcome after excision of localised cervicofacial haemangiomas and low-flow vascular malformations is excellent. Large extensive low-flow malformations as well as those located at the lips may require multiple procedures including reconstruction; patients should be informed that the outcome is generally not as good. Combined embolisation-resection is definitive treatment for arteriovenous malformations and flap reconstruction may prevent their recurrence. Tissue expansion is a useful reconstructive tool after the excision of large vascular anomalies. Key words: Face and neck, Haemangioma, Single institution outcome, Vascular malformation

Effect of electro-acupuncture in treating patients with lingual hemangioma

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) in treating patients with lingual hemangioma (LHG).

METHODS

EA therapy was applied on 36 patients by directly inserting the platinum needles into LHG through a trocar with plastic insulating cannula to protect the normal tissues and connecting the needles with the electro-chemical therapeutic apparatus of model ZAY-B. Then electricity was given until the tumor body got contracted and rigid. The result was assessed 6 months after EA was started.

RESULTS

All patients were treated effectively, namely, the effective rate was 100%, with the therapeutic effect reaching grade I in 29 patients (80.6%), grade II in 7 (19.4%), and all having the function of tongue recovered to normal.

CONCLUSION

EA shows special superiorities in treating LHG, proved to bring about less injury and quick recovery and being simple in operation. Especially when applied on huge LHG, it could not only remove the tumor, but also preserve the function of the tongue, so it is a brand-new approach that is likely to be accepted by patients.

Infantile midline facial hemangioma with agenesis of the corpus callosum and sinus pericranii: Another face of the PHACE syndrome

BACKGROUND

In the majority of cases, infantile hemangiomas are not associated with any other abnormalities. Occasionally, they may indicate the presence of systemic malformations. PHACE syndrome includes the coexistence of hemangioma, posterior fossa brain abnormalities, arterial anomalies, coarctation of the aorta, cardiac defects, and eye abnormalities. We report a case of a 2-month-old female with PHACE syndrome who also had sinus pericranii.

CLINICAL CASE

A 2-month-old girl was seen for a plaque-like, segmental, midfacial hemangioma, with recurrent hemorrhages, noted at birth. As part of the PHACE syndrome, she had a midline facial hemangioma, absent corpus callosum, hypoplastic internal carotid artery, and an abnormal tortuous dysplastic basilar artery. Digital subtraction angiography showed sinus pericranii. The patient underwent successful endovascular embolization of the hemangioma that prevented further bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Sinus pericranii is a rare finding that has not, to our knowledge, been previously associated with PHACE syndrome. Central nervous system, not only posterior fossa, abnormalities are frequently encountered in PHACE syndrome. Endovascular embolization of the facial hemangioma in our patient was a useful therapy.

Comprehensive Treatment of Arteriovenous Malformations in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region

PURPOSE

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the oral and maxillofacial region are rare but potentially life-threatening vascular lesions. We report our experience in treating these lesions in the oral and maxillofacial region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Superselective intra-arterial embolization (SIAE), sclerotherapy, bone wax packing of bone cavity and curettage, radiotherapy, and surgical resection were used alone or in combination in 28 patients with AVMs in the oral and maxillofacial region. Among them there are 13 cases involving the soft tissue, 11 cases involving bone, and 4 cases involving both the soft tissue and bone.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 3 to 60 months (median, 22 months) after comprehensive treatment. The rates of improvement and cure were 89.3% and 60.7%, respectively. Sclerotherapy in 6 cases of AVMs was ineffective. The rates of improvement and cure in AVMs involving soft tissue treated by surgical resection were 23.1% and 84.6%, respectively. The rates of cure for AVMs involving the jaws treated by SIAE, bone wax packing, curettage, and partial bone resection alone or in combination was 100%.

CONCLUSION

Three cases of AVMs involving both soft tissue and bone treated with SIAE and radiotherapy as well as surgical resection were cured. SIAE was an adjunctive treatment for the AVMs of soft tissue and jaws and for controlling bleeding. Surgical resection was an important treatment modality for AVMs. Bone wax packing of bone cavity and curettage was a simple, safe, and effective method for the treatment of AVMs of the jaws. Radiotherapy and sclerotherapy may not be effective methods for AVMs involving the soft tissue.

Arteriovenous malformation of the nasopharynx: a case report

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the head and neck is a rare vascular anomaly but when present is persistent and progressive in nature and can represent itself truly as a lethal benign disease. We present here an unusual case of an AVM with the size of 1.5 cm x 0.8 cm at the adenoid tissue found in an 8-year-old boy, which is not previously reported in the literature where we treated the patient with surgery alone. Although bleeding is a common presentation with vascular malformations, we have not seen any bleeding in our case. After the surgery, paranasal sinus and neck CT were undertaken. They showed no other AVM.

Arteriovenous malformation of the floor of the mouth: a case report

Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck are rare lesions with unclear pathogenesis. They usually present during childhood, growing proportionately to the child. Although preoperative superselective embolization followed by surgical resection is the treatment of choice, complete removal is often not feasible, leading to high recurrence rates. The case of a patient with an arteriovenous malformation of the floor of the mouth diagnosed late in her adulthood and its management are presented.

Interventional neuroradiology of the head and neck

Vascular interventions are important and helpful for treatment of various pathologies of the head and neck. Interventional neuroradiology of the head and neck includes image-guided biopsies, vessel occlusion, and local chemotherapy. Knowledge of anatomy, functional relationships between intra- and extracranial vessels, and pathology are the basis for therapeutic success. The interventional neuroradiologist is responsible for appropriate selection of patients based on clinical information, indications, and risk assessment. Neuroradiologic imaging, especially CT and MR imaging, and appropriate analysis of angiographic findings help ensure indication for treatment and plan an intervention. Technical equipment, including an angiographic unit, catheters, needles, embolizing materials, and so forth, are important. Knowledge of hemodynamics is relevant to avoid complications and to find the optimal technique for solving the clinical problem. Indications for image-guided biopsies are preverterbal fluid-collections, spinal and paraspinal inflammations and abscesses, deep cervical malignancies, vertebral body, and skull base tumors. Special care should be taken to preserve critical structures in this region, including spinal nerve roots, cervical plexus, main peripheral nerves, and vessels. Indications for vessel occlusion are emergency situations to stop bleeding in vascular lesions (traumatic, malformation, or tumors) by reduction of pressure, preoperative reduction of blood flow to minimize the surgical risk, palliative occlusion of feeding vessels to produce tumor necrosis, or potential curative (or presurgical) occlusion of vascular malformations. Pressure reduction to support normal coagulation, such as epistaxis, in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia can be achieved by proximal vessel occlusion with large particles or platinum coils. Prevention of intraoperative bleeding requires occlusion of the microvascular bed with small particles. Examples of these interventions are: a hemangioma of the hard palate, a juvenile angiofibroma, a hemangiopericytoma, a malignant meningioma, a malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and a glomus tumor. Effective treatment of vascular malformations, such as AV fistulas or angiomas, needs exact occlusion of the fistula or the angiomatous nidus, which is demonstrated in the case of an AV angioma of the base of the tongue. Chemotherapy with local intra-arterial cisplatin combined with intravenous administration of sodium thiosulfate as antidote is indicated as an adjuvant modality in a multimodal regimen of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma or as palliative treatment of recurrent and otherwise untreatable malignant tumors of the head and neck. Examples are a carcinoma of the alveolar ridge, a squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth, and a nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma. Palliative treatment of a bleeding oropharyngeal cancer is another example of interventional treatment. Selective treatment, either occluding or pharmacologic, may be preoperative, palliative, or curative. The objective is reduction of surgical risk, improvement of quality of life, or curative therapy of a lesion. Thus, the interventional treatment should not be associated with morbidity or mortality. Major complications, such as cerebral stroke, blindness, or cranial nerve palsies, can result from application of inappropriate techniques or poor evaluation of angiographic findings and should be avoided in the majority of cases. Sometimes collateral lesions are unavoidable. These include inflammation, necrosis, and nerve damage. Based on neuroradiologic experience, most of those risks are predictable. The benefits, risks, and expected damages of neuroradiologic interventions must be balanced during the informed consent procedure with the patient. Avoiding complications, handling unavoidable problems, and dealing with complications is a skill founded on knowledge and experience. Continuing education is a firm basis to push the limits of interventions and expand benefits without increasing risk for the patient. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art external carotid intervention should, in skilled hands, have a permanent morbidity far below 1% and no mortality.

Malformações vasculares

Com o conhecimento cada vez maior da angiogênese, as anomalias vasculares foram divididas em tumores e malformações vasculares. As malformações vasculares, objeto deste trabalho, são categorizadas ou pela natureza dos canais vasculares (capilares, arteriais, venosos ou linfáticos), ou pelo tipo de fluxo (alto ou baixo), ou ainda pela distribuição (localizadas ou difusas). Além disso, há as malformações complexas combinadas, nas quais se encaixa a maioria das síndromes vasculares. Os autores apresentam uma revisão do asssunto, discorrendo sobre características clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento dessas anomalias.

Maxillofacial rehabilitation of a large facial defect resulting from an arteriovenous malformation utilizing a two-piece prosthesis

Large facial defects involving the oral cavity can be difficult to restore prosthetically because of a lack of anatomic undercuts, limited means of retention, mobility of soft tissue margins, and the weight of the prosthesis. Use of skin adhesives may be precluded because of the presence of persistent moisture and saliva. The maxillofacial rehabilitation, including the design and fabrication of a 2-piece silicone prosthesis retained by the teeth, of a patient with a large facial defect as a result of treatment for an arteriovenous malformation is described. The pathogenesis and therapeutic alternatives for arteriovenous malformations is also discussed.

Algorithm for using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of deep cutaneous vascular lesions

BACKGROUND

Conventional therapies for deep cutaneous vascular anomalies have demonstrated poor efficacy and many side effects. New laser systems offer greater potential to treat these difficult lesions, but the lack of specific treatment guidelines has restricted consistent success.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rational, user-friendly algorithm that incorporates basic components of deep vascular lesions to define the correct laser settings required for safe, effective, and reproducible treatment.

METHODS

Within 18 months, 162 deep vascular lesions of various types and anatomic sites were evaluated for vessel size, depth, color, and pressure. An algorithm incorporating these characteristics was employed to determine laser parameter settings. Using a high-peak power, long-pulse 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser system, the vascular lesions were then treated.

RESULTS

Within 6 months of follow-up, 80% of treated areas demonstrated a 50% or greater resolution after a single treatment session, with complete clearance shown in 19%. Only minimal and transient side effects were observed. Of note, 74% of areas on the extremities and 83% within the oral cavity showed a 50% or greater resolution after one treatment.

CONCLUSION

Previously challenging deep cutaneous vascular anomalies may be safely reduced or cleared with the use of an appropriate laser system and this algorithm-directed technique. This represents a significant breakthrough in the management of vascular lesions.

Direct-puncture embolization of intraosseous arteriovenous malformation of jaws

PURPOSE

Our goal was to report our experience with direct-puncture embolization of intraosseous arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three cases of AVM in the mandible and 2 cases of AVM in the maxilla comprised this study group. The patients were embolized with fiber coils through direct puncture, and the coils were placed directly into the center of the intraosseous lesion, in some cases in conjunction with polyvinyl alcohol foam and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate through vascular access.

RESULTS

The acute arterial bleeding was controllable in 3 patients. The other 2 patients had pericoronal oozing bleeding and a warm soft pulsative mass on the left face, respectively; their symptoms and signs improved greatly. The pericoronal oozing of blood in all patients disappeared during a 3- to 13-month follow-up, and new bone formation was found on the follow-up radiography.

CONCLUSIONS

The embolization of the AVM of jaws by direct percutaneous puncture in conjunction with endovascular therapy is effective and safe, but longer follow-up is required to determine the true efficacy of this method of treatment.

Color Doppler sonography of the facial artery in the anterior face

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to clarify the Doppler sonographic features of the facial artery in the anterior face in healthy volunteers and to investigate those of related hemangiomas.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty-six volunteers and 3 patients with hemangiomas were examined with Doppler sonography. The detection rates of the facial artery in the anterior face were determined. The features of the main trunk, superior and inferior labial branches, and the branches in the buccinator area were investigated together with the flow diameter, flow velocities, and resistive and pulsatility indexes.

RESULTS

The detection rates of the main trunk and superior and inferior branches were 100%, whereas that of the branches in the buccinator area was 92.4%. There were no significant differences in the measured values for all indexes between the right and left sides. However, there were significant correlations between right and left sides in the flow diameter and minimum velocity of the main trunk and in the flow diameter and pulsatility index of the superior labial branch. The Doppler sonographic features of the hemangioma were characterized as a hypoechoic area with internal and surrounding blood flows.

CONCLUSIONS

Doppler sonography can clearly depict the facial artery and its branches in the anterior face, and this method appears to be useful in the follow-up examination of hemangiomas in this area.

Embolization for the treatment of pseudoaneurysm and transection of facial vessels

Transection of the facial and the internal maxillary arteries while routine operations were performed was the cause of uncontrolled bleeding and a pseudoaneurysm. We present a study of the mechanisms that create and the means that control hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysms in the maxillofacial region.

Blood flow in and around the masseter muscle: normal and pathologic features demonstrated by color Doppler sonography

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to clarify the normal findings of arteries in and around the masseter muscle and to present their pathologic changes with the use of color Doppler sonography.

STUDY DESIGN

The vascular appearances were examined for the 4 main arteries feeding the masseter muscle in healthy volunteers (n = 38) and patients with inflammation (n = 5) and intramuscular hemangioma (n = 3). The features of these arteries were investigated together with the flow diameter, flow velocities, and arterial resistances. The symmetry indices were also calculated to assess the pathologic changes.

RESULTS

The detection rates of the branch from the transverse facial artery, the masseter artery, and the branch from the maxillary or external carotid artery were 98.7%, 21.1%, and 84.2% in healthy volunteers, respectively. The facial artery that feeds the muscle from the inferior part represented 2 patterns according to anatomic variant: the masseteric branch (22.4%) and the main trunk itself (77.6%). The means of the flow diameter, maximum and minimum velocities, resistive index, and pulsatility index in healthy subjects were 1.8 mm, 24.6 cm/s, 5.1 cm/s, 0.80, and 2.51, respectively. In most of the patients with symptoms, the symmetry indices of all measurement values increased in comparison with those of healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler sonography is useful in describing the arteries in and around the masseter muscle and has the potential of being used to depict the pathologic changes.

Surgical technique for the treatment of high-flow arteriovenous malformations of the mandible

The high-flow intraosseous arteriovenous malformation is a problematic vascular lesion which may affect bone and the dentition. Variable clinical presentations of this anomaly have resulted in a gamut of treatment modalities being reported ranging from simple curettage, resection, radiotherapy, sclerosing injections, and various forms of embolization, to immediate replantation of the resected segments. Embolization techniques alone have not been universally successful and have often resulted in rapid development of collaterals from surrounding vessels. Definitive treatment has usually involved complete surgical resection (when feasible) either alone, or in combination with other modalities such as embolization. Jaw resection, however, is deforming and leaves a defect often requiring subsequent reconstruction of the hard and soft tissues and replacement of any teeth lost with the resected segment. We report a surgical technique to treat mandibular arteriovenous malformations, which permits ligation of the feeding vessels and provides access allowing for complete removal of the intraosseous lesion. At the same time it not only prevents facial deformity by preserving the mandibular bone and oral soft tissue, but also, and more importantly, may preserve the dentition as well.

Ultrasonographic detection of fetal cranio-facial hemangioma: case report and review of the literature

A case of an isolated cranio-facial vascular anomaly, extending from the left parietal bone to the lateral margin of the omolateral orbit is presented. Detection and differential diagnosis of fetal hemangioma is important for a variety of reasons. First, it allows the prenatal growth of the mass to be evaluated. Second, it enables appropriate arrangements for delivery to be made including its timing and selection of the appropriate clinical team necessary to support the neonate. After birth these cranio-facial anomalies can regress spontaneously, but plastic surgery is often necessary.