Giant life-threatening external carotid artery pseudoaneurysm caused by a mandibular condylar fracture.

OBJECTIVE

Vascular lesions are rare complications associated to mandibular condylar fractures. This paper aims to describe a case of a giant pseudoaneurysm involving the external carotid artery (ECA) caused by a condylar fracture.

CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old man was the victim of traffic accident and presented with a panfacial fracture, including a bilateral condylar fracture. The condylar fracture was treated by closed reduction, and 4 weeks after treatment, the patient developed facial edema, which suggested postoperative infection. An attempt at draining it resulted in intensive bleeding. A computed tomographic angiography showed a huge pseudoaneurysm originating from the ECA. The patient was treated with surgery with ligation of the ECA and drainage of the pseudoaneurysm.

CONCLUSION

Vascular complications associated with condylar fractures are rare, but surgeons should be aware of this type of complication, especially because of the high risk of serious damage, including death. The use of computed tomographic angiography is very helpful in the diagnosis of vascular lesions and also guides treatment.