CLINICAL IMAGE
An uncommon complication of arterial embolization for treatment of epistaxis Alexander M. Bobinskas1 & Michael Barrett2 1
Regional Maxillofacial Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK Church Street Dental Practice, 10 Church Street, Dumbarton, Glasgow, UK
2
Correspondence Alexander M. Bobinskas, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow, Regional Maxillofacial Unit, Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF UK. Tel: +44 141 201 1100; Fax: (+44) 0141 232 7508; E-mail: [email protected]
Key Clinical Message Although uncommon, patients should be advised that soft tissue necrosis may be a complication of arterial embolization used for treatment of epistaxis. Keywords Complication, embolization, epistaxis, necrosis, sphenopalatine artery.
Funding Information No sources of funding were declared for this study. Received: 28 December 2015; Accepted: 2 February 2016 Clinical Case Reports 2016; 4(4): 453 doi: 10.1002/ccr3.519
Question: Arterial embolization is an established treatment of refractory epistaxis; what uncommon complication of sphenopalatine artery emboliztaion is depicted in Fig. 1? Answer: The image demonstrates necrosis and ulceration of the palatal mucosa. Tissue loss secondary to arterial embolization is rare in the head and neck due to
the extensive collateral blood supply of the region [1]. Necrosis involving the nasal septum and facial skin has also been reported therefore patients should be warned during the consent process. Commonly used agents include gelfoam, polyvinyl alcohol, platinum coils and as in this case, tris-acryl gelatin. Particles
An uncommon complication of arterial embolization for treatment of epistaxis Alexander M. Bobinskas1 & Michael Barrett2 1
Regional Maxillofacial Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK Church Street Dental Practice, 10 Church Street, Dumbarton, Glasgow, UK
2
Correspondence Alexander M. Bobinskas, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow, Regional Maxillofacial Unit, Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF UK. Tel: +44 141 201 1100; Fax: (+44) 0141 232 7508; E-mail: [email protected]
Key Clinical Message Although uncommon, patients should be advised that soft tissue necrosis may be a complication of arterial embolization used for treatment of epistaxis. Keywords Complication, embolization, epistaxis, necrosis, sphenopalatine artery.
Funding Information No sources of funding were declared for this study. Received: 28 December 2015; Accepted: 2 February 2016 Clinical Case Reports 2016; 4(4): 453 doi: 10.1002/ccr3.519
Question: Arterial embolization is an established treatment of refractory epistaxis; what uncommon complication of sphenopalatine artery emboliztaion is depicted in Fig. 1? Answer: The image demonstrates necrosis and ulceration of the palatal mucosa. Tissue loss secondary to arterial embolization is rare in the head and neck due to
the extensive collateral blood supply of the region [1]. Necrosis involving the nasal septum and facial skin has also been reported therefore patients should be warned during the consent process. Commonly used agents include gelfoam, polyvinyl alcohol, platinum coils and as in this case, tris-acryl gelatin. Particles
