Massive primary hemorrhage during tonsillectomy from a large venous varicosity.
The internal jugular vein is derived embryologically from the anterior cardinal veins. Developmental abnormalities may result in a cavernous venous varicosity, which may be the cause of massive primary hemorrhage during tonsillectomy. An index of suspicion is required for diagnosis, which may be confirmed by retrograde venography techniques.
Burstin
P P
PP
Department of Otolaryngology, Alfred Hospital-Victoria, Australia.
Hooper
R E
RE
D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001810:Blood Volume; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006472:Oral Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000098:blood supply*; D011859:Radiography; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging