Arteriovenous malformations of the mandible.

Arteriovenous malformations of the mandible may present with pulsatile tinnitus, pain, a bruit, loosening of teeth, or intraoral or facial deformation or discoloration. In the absence of these classic symptoms and signs, the unwary surgeon might attempt a limited excision, leading to massive intraoperative hemorrhage. Management includes external carotid as well as selective branch arteriography and preoperative arterial embolization with polyvinyl alcohol sponges and absorbable gelatin. Vessel ligation, mandibular resection, lesion excision, mandibular autografting, and intermaxillary fixation complete surgical treatment.