Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery: late complication and effects on local blood flow

Abstract

Objective: Pseudoaneurysms are vascular injuries resulting from a rupture of the vessel walls with blood extravasation into perivascular tissues. Proper treatment is required to prevent rupture and intense bleeding. This article reports a case of pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery that evolved to a late complication, presenting dehiscence of suture and exposure of the wound and bleeding after the initial injury and also discusses the effects of vascular response from the involved vessels by comparing them against the contralateral side.

Case report: A healthy 17-year-old male was admitted with an injury of approximately 35 mm in length in the right cheek with an exposed clot inside the injury and local bleeding after a stabbing 11 days before. CT angiography showed rupture of the facial artery and formation of a pseudoaneurysm with an organized clot. The patient was treated by means of surgery under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The facial artery was located and attached by suture. The wound was explored and clots were removed. The patient was discharged on the first postoperative day and he had an excellent scarring standard with no unfavorable event.

Conclusions: The authors conclude that this surgical technique is an effective method for treating such injuries, as it is easily performed and can be conducted by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon assistant.