Pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery after concurrent intra-arterial chemotherapy with radiotherapy for advanced tongue cancer.

摘要

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the external carotid artery and its branches are rare. METHODS: We present an extremely rare case of pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery secondary to concurrent intra-arterial chemotherapy via the superficial temporal artery for advanced tongue cancer. RESULTS: The patient developed sudden and significant oral bleeding from the left tongue base 10 weeks after the completion of treatment. Angiography provided a diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery, and subsequent endovascular intervention was an effective means of controlling bleeding. CONCLUSION: Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm causes massive, life-threatening bleeding, which requires adequate diagnosis and treatment. Pseudoaneurysm should be considered in cases showing sudden oral bleeding after intra-arterial chemotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer.