[Pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery after tonsillectomy. A rare complication].
BACKGROUND
Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology; however, life-threatening complications can occur in rare cases.


METHODS
We report about a seven-year-old girl who developed a pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery following elective routine tonsillectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Initial ENT examination will reveal a painful cervical mass or unilateral palatal swelling that can easily be misinterpreted as a peritonsillar (or parapharyngeal) abscess. Computed tomography and angiography are indicated to confirm the diagnosis. Bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm of any branch of the external carotid artery represents a serious and life-threatening complication. Surgery is the treatment of choice.
Menauer
F
F
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenkanke, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Suckfüll
M
M
Stäbler
A
A
Grevers
G
G
D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D000792:Angiography; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D020212:Carotid Artery Injuries; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014068:Tonsillectomy