Traumatic arteriovenous malformation of the external carotid arterial system.

Traumatic arteriovenous (AV) malformations of the face and scalp are rare lesions characterized by multiple endothelial-lined channels between the arterial and venous systems. If improperly managed they have a high propensity to recur, and may result in severe cosmetic deformity. Lesions should be delineated by arteriography unless small and localized. They are managed by complete excision and ligation of arterial feeding vessels. Five cases of traumatic AV malformation of the face and scalp and their management are reported.