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Case Reports
. 2025 Jul 5;20(9):4812-4816.
doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2025.06.034. eCollection 2025 Sep.

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery: Underrecognized vascular entity

Zahra Sayad  1 , Mohammed Abid  1 , Nejwa Belhaj  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery: Underrecognized vascular entity

Zahra Sayad et al. Radiol Case Rep. .

Abstract

Facial artery pseudoaneurysm, although rare, is a serious condition caused by rupture of artery with extravasation of blood. The compressed perivascular tissue forms the wall of aneurysmal sac, typically presents as a pulsatile swelling. Diagnosis is confirmed through computed tomography (CT), angiography, or ultrasound. Treatment options vary depending on the size and symptoms and include observation, compression, surgical resection, vessel ligation, embolization, and intralesional sclerotherapy. A 42-year-old male with no significant past medical history, presented with a painless, pulsatile, firm mass measuring 2 × 1.5 cm in the left jugal peribuccal region that had progressively grown over 2 months. Ultrasound and computed tomography imaging revealed a pseudoaneurysm of facial artery. Under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, we performed a surgical resection of the mass with ligation of the vessels, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention.

Keywords: Facial artery; Imaging; Pseudoaneurysm; Surgery.

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Figures

Fig 1:
Fig. 1
Clinical preoperative aspect. Sagittal photograph of the patient showing a cheek mass near the left corner of the mouth.
Fig 2:
Fig. 2
Color Doppler ultrasound demonstrating the presence of a vascular mass in the left buccal region, with visualization of bidirectional turbulent blood flow, compatible with a pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery.
Fig 3:
Fig. 3
Computed tomography angiography showing pseudoaneurysm of left facial artery: Sagittal (A) and coronal (B) computerized tomography (CT) scan with iodine injection shows a well-defined ovoid mass on the left side of the face (black arrow) measuring 20 × 15 × 15 mm.
Fig 4:
Fig. 4
Maxillofacial computed tomography arteriography (CTA) with iodine injection shows intensive accumulation of the contrast (black arrow) in continuity with the facial artery.
Fig 5:
Fig. 5
Intraoperative photographs showing: (A and B) pseudoaneurysm of facial artery: a purplish and round mass dissected free from surrounding tissues. (C and D) excision of the lesion after ligation of proximal and distal ends of facial artery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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