Comprehensive Treatment of Arteriovenous Malformations in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region

Management of intra-osseous arteriovenous malformations of the mandible

Intra-mandibular arteriovenous malformations (IM-AVM) are rare congenital lesions sadly known by the appearance of cataclysmic haemorrhages. It represents a therapeutic challenge which requires a multidisciplinary approach. This paper aims to evaluate the characteristics and management of IM-AVM through the illustration of six case reports, the largest serie in the literature to our knowledge. This retrospective study included all patients with IM-AVM treated in the hospital of Lyon and Saint-Etienne between 1982 and 2021, in France. The management of mandibular AVMs should be individualized and permanently adjusted according to their stage of development, which makes their management difficult. Furthermore, long-term follow-up is essential to detect and manage the subclinical progression of the lesion. Based on these results and a systematic review of the literature, an algorithm has been developed to guide the treatment strategy for this are pathology.

Interventional therapy of extracranial arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck—A systematic review

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the literature on interventional treatment for patients with extracranial AVM of the head and neck to identify a superior treatment. The secondary aim was to evaluate the methodological quality of associated articles published between 2000–2020.

Methods

The literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and scholar.google.com. Studies, meeting the acceptable reference standard underwent meta-analysis. All identified literature underwent methodological quality analysis.

Results

Of 1560 screened articles, 56 were included in the literature review. Appropriate diagnostic tests were reported in 98% of included articles. 13% of included articles did not specify the embolization agent. Outcome analysis varied throughout. 45% of the authors used radiographic imaging for follow-up. 77% specified the span of follow-up of their entire patient collective. Two articles met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Curing rate of transarterial ethanol embolization for intraosseous AVM was 83% with a complication rate of 58%. Curing rate of ethanol combined with NBCA or Onyx in soft tissue AVM was 18% with a complication rate of 87%.

Conclusion

Our literature review revealed an absence of treatment or reporting standards for extracranial AVM of the head and neck. The meta-analysis is comprised of two articles and methodological quality is heterogeneous. We recommend implementing consistent reporting standards to facilitate comparability of studies and to provide robust data for the development of an evidence-based treatment strategy.

Advances in knowledge

Meta-analysis showed a favorable radiological outcome for intraosseous AVM when treated with intraarterial ethanol embolization. Our analysis demonstrated that the published data on extracranial AVMs of the head and neck is lacking in consistency and quality, prompting agreement for the need of standardized reporting on AVM treatments.

Minimal Invasive Surgical Management of Familial Arteriovenous Malformation

Introduction

Familial arteriovenous malformations are exceedingly rare. They are often noted at birth. They can also present during childhood or adolescence. Sclerotherapy has proven to have a favorable outcome. Case Presentation. The present case report describes the treatment of arteriovenous malformations on the tongue, labial mucosa, and vermilion border in siblings treated with boiling saline injections.

Conclusion

Sclerotherapy using boiling saline had shown to effectively treat arteriovenous malformations in the oral region without any significant morbidity.

Management of vascular malformations in the Oral and maxillofacial region: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose is to determine the comprehensive review and the current concepts on the management of vascular malformation and to evaluate the long term outcomes, recurrence and complication rate.

METHODS

This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020173735). The PUBMED, EBSCO, SCOPUS and NDH databases were used to perform a comprehensive search of articles published up until July 2020. The database search identified 1719 articles. After an intricate review, 34 studies were estimated for eligibility.

RESULTS

A total of 1719 patients with mean age of 27.48 years were treated for vascular malformation in the oral and maxillofacial region. Moderate heterogeneity was observed for the outcome (P = 0.166; 95% CI:1.01-1.46, I² = 48%). As determined by one-way ANOVA, there was no statistically significant difference between the type of diagnosis and the recurrence (F = 2.313, p = 0.092) and the complication rate (F = 2.112, p = 0.117).

CONCLUSION

In accordance with the available scientific literature, this review has highlighted the modalities and advancement in the management of vascular malformations. Complications and recurrence were reported in all types of management. It can be avoided by careful diagnosis, pre-operative assessment and treatment planning.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for vascular anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety and systematizing treatment, employing evidence‐based medicine techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQ) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for published work searches were set for each CQ, and work published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina databases. The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System technique. A total of 33 CQ were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence‐based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for vascular anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Comprehensive treatment of massive macroglossia due to venous and lymphatic malformations

This study evaluated the outcomes of comprehensive treatment for massive macroglossia. Eleven patients with massive macroglossia due to venous malformations (VMs) and lymphatic malformations (LMs) underwent incision excision of two-thirds of the central wedge of the tongue; two of these patients underwent resection of lesions in the lower lip or floor of the mouth during initial treatment. In subsequent treatment, three patients underwent orthognathic surgery or resection of lesions in the lower lip and submental region, and four patients underwent one or two sclerotherapies. No patient had complications resulting from anaesthesia or surgery. Patients were followed up at 6 months postoperative, and all signs associated with the lesions had disappeared. The mean follow-up duration was 30.8 months. The aesthetic outcome was excellent for nine patients and satisfactory for two. Nine patients could take a soft diet and two a solid diet. Eight patients presented normal speech and three presented intelligible speech. Comprehensive treatment including incision excision of two-thirds of the central wedge of the tongue, as well as orthognathic surgery, the resection of lesions in the oral and maxillofacial region, and sclerotherapy, is effective for patients with massive macroglossia due to VMs and LMs.

Clinical and Molecular Study of ELMO-2-Related Massive Intraosseous Vascular Malformations: Lessons Learned From 25 Years of Follow-up

Massive intraosseous vascular malformations, a relatively rare entity in the vascular malformation spectrum, deserves attention as involving the membranous bones of the craniofacial skeleton and may lead to severe life-threatening hemorrhages and even death. The main aim of this study was to summarize the 25 years of clinical experience with these vascular malformation osseous patients, focus on the molecular and genetic aspect of the clinical entity, and to emphasize the certain challenging conditions in the treatment of these patients. All the patients appeared to be unaffected at birth, whereas initial symptoms occasionally began with painless swelling in the mandible in early childhood. The disease was progressive in behavior especially in the pubertal ages and was specifically involving the maxilla and mandible of the craniofacial skeleton in all the patients. Calvarium and cranial base were the second most common involved regions among these patients (62.5%). Clavicular (50%), costal (25%), and vertebral (25%) involvements were also a significant manifestation of the disease. Tissue samples obtained from the affected individuals and the blood samples from their families were matched, revealing a loss of function mutation in the ELMO-2 gene of chromosome 20 leading to developmental abnormality of the vascular structures via RAC1 signaling and leading to abnormally enlarged vessels in the intraosseus portion of the membranous bone. Immunohistochemical staining revealed positive CD31 and smooth muscle actin staining but negative proliferation and maturity markers such as Ki-67, desmin, h-caldesmon, and myofibroblast-like desmin. The follow-up of 3 of 5 patients ended up with mortality (60%). vascular malformation osseous is intraosseous vascular malformation with aggressive biological behavior associated with ELMO-2 gene mutation. Further studies for obtaining prenatal diagnosis and achievement of gene therapy should take place. As the disease rapidly progresses as the affected individual grows, surgical interventions should be taken into consideration before the initiation of complications.

Primary free fibula reconstruction in life-threatening haemorrhage from high flow arteriovenous malformation of mandible

Background:

High flow arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the mandible is rare, but it can present as a life-threatening emergency with severe intraoral bleeding for the first time. The gold standard of treatment for an AVM of the mandible is selective embolisation combined with resection and subsequent reconstructions. With the advent of advanced multidisciplinary techniques aimed at definitive therapy, surgical resection and primary reconstruction can provide an ideal anatomical and functional cure. There are no previous reports on primary resection and reconstruction for life-threatening haemorrhage from high flow AVM of the mandible.

Aim:

We discuss our approach aimed at definitive therapy in life-threatening intraoral bleeding from large high flow AVM of the mandible.

Subjects and Methods:

Four patients were managed for life-threatening intraoral bleeding during 2015–2017. Compression was applied over the bleeding point before the airway could be secured by endotracheal tube. Under general anaesthesia, the external carotid artery (ECA) was temporarily occluded using an umbilical tape loop ligature to control the bleeding. Emergency selective embolisation was done, followed by curative resection and primary mandible reconstruction using free fibula flap. Outcome assessed.

Results:

Temporary occlusion of the ECA successfully controlled the bleeding immediately and facilitated selective embolisation and definitive therapy. All the four cases were successfully reconstructed with a good outcome. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

In life-threatening intraoral bleeding from large high flow AVM of the mandible, emergency selective embolisation followed by curative resection and primary reconstruction is safe in achieving an ideal cure.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of arteriovenous malformations of the face using fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and bleomycin after embolisation

Congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in the maxillofacial region are rare, but potentially life-threatening, vascular lesions. Here we review our experience of 13 patients with AVM of the facial soft tissues who were treated using percutaneous sclerotherapy with fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and bleomycin after embolisation. The mean (range) follow-up was 27 (14-58) months. Three of the lesions were completely controlled, eight were nearly completely controlled, and the other two were partly controlled. Our experience is that percutaneous sclerotherapy of arteriovenous malformations of the face using fibrin glue combined with OK-432 and bleomycin after embolisation is safe and effective.

Gingival bleeding of a high-flow mandibular arteriovenous malformation in a child with 8-year follow-up

Intraosseous arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the head and neck region are uncommon. There are several types and they can have a wide range of clinical presentations. Depending on the blood flow through the AVM, the treatment may be challenging for the attending team and may lead to life-threatening hemorrhages. A clinical case report is presented. A 9-year-old girl, seen for gingival bleeding during oral hygiene, was found to have a high-flow AVM located within and around the mandible. Two-stage treatment consisted of intra-arterial embolization followed by intraoral injection of a sclerosing agent 8 weeks later. At the 8-year follow-up, imaging study showed no evidence of recurrent lesion inside or outside the bone. The final outcome is a correct occlusion with a symmetric facial result. This case shows that conservative treatment may be the first treatment option mostly in children. Arteriography and transcortical injection were enough to control the AVM.

Comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation of a patient with maxillary arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the maxilla are rare and potentially life-threatening conditions that can pose a therapeutic dilemma. We reported the first case of maxillary AVM in a 15-year-old girl who was treated by marginal hemimaxillectomy including overlying palatal mucosa and immediate replantation of the segment after removing the AVM tissues and teeth and covering by a full-thickness pedicled temporal muscle flap rotated into the mouth. Then, this preserved bone underwent distraction osteogenesis and dental implant rehabilitation successfully. This method was previously used for the definitive treatment of mandibular AVMs, and in this case, we applied this method for the first time in maxillary AVMs. In conclusion, this surgical method may be considered as a safe, convenient, and effective treatment and reconstructive modality for such vascular malformations in the maxilla and restores function and symmetry of the jaws while obviating the need for bone harvesting and future major reconstructive operations.

Extensive bilateral arteriovenous malformations of the mandible successfully controlled by combined endovascular and transcutaneous angio-embolization: case report and review of the literature

We report a unique case of extensive bilateral arteriovenous malformation (AVMs) in a child's mandible, discuss treatment options and review literature. A healthy 8 year-old girl presented with bright blood of unknown source found on her pillow. Three large AVMs involving the symphyseal region and bilateral mandibular bodies were found on angiography. Due to the extent of surgical resection required, the patient underwent a series of endovascular and transcutaneous angio-embolization. In cases of extensive intraosseous AVMs, serial embolization procedures can be successful in controlling episodes of hemorrhage and allow for bone remineralization. A multidisciplinary approach by otolaryngologists and neurointerventional radiologists can optimize the results.

Large arteriovenous malformation of the oromaxillofacial region with multiple phleboliths

Vascular tumors are the most common benign tumors of the head and neck in infancy and childhood. Vascular anomalies of the head and neck were divided into 2 categories including hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Oral and maxillofacial hemangiomas and vascular malformations are congenital lesions with various clinical characteristics, manifestations, indications, and possibilities for treatment. This paper reports a case of large arteriovenous malformations including a description of the features demonstrated by panoramic radiography, cone beam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The differential diagnosis and treatment modalities (including embolization with N-butylcyanoacrylate in this case) are also discussed following the case presentation, along with the available literature review.

Life-threatening arteriovenous malformation of the maxillomandibular region and treatment outcomes

We report on cases of life-threatening maxillomandibular arteriovenous malformations (AVM) whereby patients had successful endovascular treatment with good outcomes. Out of a total 93 facial AVMs treated endovascularly between 1991 and 2009, five patients (5.4%) had maxillomandibular AVMs. All presented with uncontrolled dental bleeding. Endovascular procedure was the primary treatment of choice in all cases, either transfemoral approach with arterial feeder embolization or transosseous puncture, depending on the accessible route in each patient. NBCA (glue) was the only embolic agent used. Tooth extraction and dental care were performed after bleeding was controlled. All five patients (8-18 years) with a mean age of 12.4 years presented with massive dental bleeding following loosening of teeth, dental extraction and/or cheek trauma. The plain films and CT scans of four patients with AVMs of mandibles and one of maxilla, revealed expansile osteolytic lesions. The mean follow-up period was 6.6 years (ranging between one and 19 years). Three cases developed recurrent bleeding between two weeks to three months after first embolization, resulting from residual AVM and infection. Late complications occurred in two patients from chronic localized infection and osteonecrosis, which were successfully eradicated with antibiotic therapy and bony curettage. Complications occurring in two patients which included soft tissue infection, osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis were successfully treated with antibiotics, curettage and bone resection. No patient had a recurrence of bleeding after the disease had cured Initial glue embolization is recommended as the effective treatment of dental AVMs for emergent bleeding control, with the aim to complete eradicate the intraosseous venous pouches either by means of transarterial superselection or direct transosseous puncture. Patient care by a multidisciplinary team approach is important for sustained treatment results.

Case report: Combined transarterial and direct approaches for embolization of a large mandibular arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that involve the mandible are difficult lesions to treat, with traditional options being surgery and embolization. This article describes a large mandibular AVM that was treated with embolization using transarterial as well as direct puncture approaches. Follow-up imaging showed thrombosis of the vascular spaces of the malformation. There were no complications. The patient is doing well and is on follow-up.

Plunging arteriovenous malformation in the floor of the mouth: a case report

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is composed of abnormal communications between arteries and veins without the normal intervening capillary bed. An 11-year-old male presented with a painless, doughy submandibular mass. Surgical excision was performed through an intraoral approach; the mass and the surgical field, did not exhibit any significant intraoperative bleeding typical of vascular lesions. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed a diagnosis of an AVM, with the presence of organizing thrombi within arteries and veins. These abundant thrombi, previously unreported in the arterial part, may explain the negligible intraoperative bleeding.

Face skin necrosis following embolization for arteriovenous malformations: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare in the oral and maxillofacial regions.

DISCUSSION

AVMs may induce severe complications such as uncontrollable bleeding. Superselective intra-arterial embolization is an effective method for this bleeding that is refractory to conservative treatment. Arterial embolization may cause ischemic complications. We report the case of a patient who developed face skin necrosis following bilateral facial artery embolization.

Endovascular treatment of arteriovenous malformation

Vascular anomalies are common congenital or neonatal abnormalities. According to the approved classification of vascular lesions by Glowacki and Mulliken, hemangiomas and vascular malformations are distinguishable. Hemangiomas usually appear during the first days or weeks after birth and grow faster than the whole body of the infant. They are proliferating benign tumors that often involute. The opposite of hemangiomas, vascular malformations are present at birth, grow commensurately with the patient, demonstrate normal endothelial turnover, and never involute. The case of a young woman with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) located on the left side of her face beneath the lower lip is described. The patient did not have any specific complaints except the cosmetic effect, which was a reddish and bluish discoloration of the skin over the lesion. The AVM was embolized with polyvinyl alcohol, and no subsequent surgery was performed. Follow-up ultrasound examination after a 12-month period showed no flow within the lesion area.

A multidisciplinary approach to treating maxillofacial arteriovenous malformations in children

OBJECTIVE

Congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the maxillofacial region are rare, potentially life-threatening, vascular lesions. This study reviewed our experience with a multidisciplinary approach to treating maxillofacial AVMs in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirteen patients (10 boys and 3 girls) with AVMs involving the facial soft tissues or jaws were treated using a multidisciplinary approach that included: 1) superselective intra-arterial embolization (SIAE); 2) bone wax packing (BWP) of the bone cavity and curettage; and 3) compartmentalization and sclerotherapy.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 13.5 months, with a range of 6-22 months. The following outcomes were obtained: 9 lesions (69.2%) were completely involuted, 3 lesions (23.1%) were mostly involuted, and 1 lesion (7.7%) was partially involuted. The rates of completely and mostly involuted AVMs involving the jaws treated using SIAE, BWP, and curettage were 80% and 20%, respectively. The rates of completely, mostly, and partially involuted AVMs involving soft tissues treated by compartmentalization and sclerotherapy were 60%, 30%, and 10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SIAE was reliable for controlling bleeding and as adjunctive treatment for maxillofacial AVMs in children. SIAE followed by BWP of the bone cavity and curettage was a simple, safe, and effective method for treating AVMs of the jaws; SIAE followed by compartmentalization and the injection of OK-432 and pingyangmycin was a reliable alternative treatment for AVMs of the soft tissues in the maxillofacial region.

Arteriovenous Malformations of the Tongue: A Spectrum of Disease

OBJECTIVES

To examine our vascular anomalies team's experience with tongue arteriovenous malformations (AVM) with specific emphasis on the spectrum on disease and surgical management.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 11 patients (10 female, 1 male), discovered from 1997 to 2005 with histological, radiographic, and clinical characteristics consistent with tongue AVM.

RESULTS

Four patients displayed advanced disease with malformations involving the tongue, floor of mouth, and neck. Contributions from multiple feeding arteries were identified by angiography as each patient reported a prior history of surgical or embolic procedures. These lesions required preoperative embolization and extensive resection with complex reconstruction (mean operating time, 10.9 hr). One patient had evidence of recurrent disease (mean follow-up, 24.6 mo). In contrast, seven patients presented with discreet tongue malformations with a single feeding lingual artery. These patients reported no prior intervention, required only one resection (mean operating time, 2.8 hr), and have shown no evidence of recurrence (mean follow-up, 11 mo). Slight histologic differences between advanced versus focal tongue AVM were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that tongue AVM can occur within a spectrum of disease with different clinical presentations, radiographic findings, and histology among patients with focal versus advanced lesions. Inadequate treatment is thought to contribute to collateral flow and disease progression in advanced AVM, making further management difficult. However, focal tongue AVM may represent early lesions that are more amenable to surgical management.

Traitement chirurgical des malformations artérioveineuses

MAV surgery remains still today one of most difficult in the surgery of vascular malformations. Embolisation the most selective possible follow-up of a surgical removal carrying the totality of the nidus is the only effective treatment. Usually, MAV of small size, quiescent, should not be operated, the surgery being reserved for the evolutionary or complicated forms. This surgical procedure must allow the complete eradication of the lesion without which the cure is not possible. The incomplete removal causes repetition, sometimes aggravation with, sometimes, life threatening problems.