Transarterial embolization for traumatic intractable oronasal hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Severe craniofacial injury may cause intractable oronasal bleeding, a rare but life-threatening surgical emergency that may occur in the Emergency Department (ED). Uncontrolled massive bleeding is the major cause of mortality. This kind of trauma is usually associated with the transfer of high kinetic energy such as a motor vehicle collision.

Objective: We report an unusual case of intractable oronasal bleeding diagnosed by angiography.

Case report: A 43-year-old man was brought to the ED after being in a high-energy motor vehicle collision. He had suffered severe craniofacial trauma, including intracranial hemorrhage and intractable oronasal bleeding; he later developed a large pseudoaneurysm arising from the right internal maxillary artery. In the ED, the patient successfully underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) using angiography with transarterial embolization (TAE) therapy to control the bleeding.

Conclusion: EVT by TAE for intractable oronasal bleeding was an effective treatment in this life-threatening situation.