Caliber persitent labial artery: an unknown vascular lesion or a mistaken arteriovenous malformation

CPLA is a vascular anomaly of relevant clinical importance and commonly underdiagnosed by vascular physicians. It is a vascular lesion localized in the submucosa of the upper or lower lip. The pathology of the lesion consists of a dilated distal branch of the labial artery. Diagnosis can be usually performed with the typical clinical findings and Doppler Ultrasound. It is important to establish a correct diagnosis of this benign lesion, because if ulceration occurs, it can simulate a lip carcinoma. Lesion can lead to a profuse bleeding, with minor trauma, like in dental surgery, and may need to be treated. The purpose of this case report is to communicate the clinical features of this unknown benign vascular lesion that can be mistaken with an arterio-venous malformation. Two cases and review of the literature is presented outlining the clinical and imaging diagnosis. Main feature of the first case is that it is the only case presented up to the date with Doppler and Angiographic correlation. Second case opens the door to minimally invasive percutaneous treatment.