MANAGEMENT OF POST-TRAUMATIC MAXILLOFACIAL PSEUDOANEURYSMS: REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND SUGGESTED ALGORITHM

Abstract Purpose A pseudoaneurysm (PA) is a collection of blood caused by an incomplete tear in the vessel wall. PA can be arterial (APA) or venous (VPA) in origin. In the maxillofacial region, APA can result from surgical interventions. VPAs in the maxillofacial region have never been described. A standardized protocol for management of post-traumatic PAs in the maxillofacial region would help clinicians make treatment decisions. The purpose of this project was to discuss the treatment algorithm for management of post-traumatic maxillofacial PAs. Materials and Methods On the basis of the available literature and our institutional experience, we present an algorithm for management of post-traumatic maxillofacial PAs. Per Institutional Review Board guidelines at Emory University, this project did not require review. Results We present an algorithm for management of post-traumatic maxillofacial PAs. We also present patients from our institution who illustrate some of the management options in the algorithm. Conclusion Treating post-traumatic maxillofacial PAs is time sensitive. Failure to recognize and/or manage post-traumatic maxillofacial PAs can lead to life-threatening bleeding. We recommend a standardized algorithm to guide clinical decisions in a timely manner.