Massive Congenital Arteriovenous Malformation of the Pterygomaxillary Space

Abstract

A case is presented of a massive congenital, extracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The origins and hemodynamic considerations that led to prior treatment failure are discussed. A sudden accelerated growth in the AVM, caused by an alteration in the hemodynamics of the feeding and draining vessels, mandated further surgical management. The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision at the time of diagnosis, if possible. Ligation of the feeding vessels alone is unsatisfactory and, like other adjunctive treatments, may lead to disastrous complications.