Massive epistaxis due to pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery: a rare post-operative complication of orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery as the possible aetiology of acute massive epistaxis in patients with a history of orthognathic surgery accompanied by Le Fort I osteotomy.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

This paper reports a case of acute life-threatening epistaxis following Le Fort I osteotomy. Computed tomography and angiography showed a pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery, which was successfully treated by endovascular embolisation.

CONCLUSION

Although a pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery following Le Fort I osteotomy is extremely rare, it should be considered as the possible aetiology of acute massive epistaxis in patients with a history of orthognathic surgery accompanied by Le Fort I osteotomy.