Uncontrolled bleeding during tooth extraction from an undiagnosed arteriovenous malformation

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital disorders of vascular morphogenesis. These lesions are characterised by high vascular flow with risk of severe bleeding from accidental trauma or surgical manipulation. Although infrequent, potentially life-threatening and fatal oral bleeding has been reported during extraction of tooth associated with AVM. This paper presents a case of uncontrolled bleeding in an adult female patient undergoing mandibular anterior tooth extraction. The bleeding was related to undiagnosed soft tissue AVM in gingivobuccal space. Management of the case with review of previously reported similar cases is presented.