Immediate post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the external carotid artery following condylar fracture: case report.
C Billon, A Gueutier, S Lepault et al.
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Case in brief
A 19-year-old male presented in hemorrhagic shock due to high-energy facial trauma, revealing bilateral comminuted condylar fractures and an actively bleeding pseudoaneurysm of the distal external carotid artery. Emergency endovascular coil embolization successfully controlled the hemorrhage, followed by surgical fixation of the mandibular symphysis. The patient experienced right peripheral facial paralysis postoperatively, which partially improved with conservative management.
What made this case unusual
The immediate presentation of a pseudoaneurysm following a mandibular condylar fracture is exceptionally rare, as such injuries typically manifest weeks after trauma.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the possibility of vascular injuries in cases of acute condylar fractures, as they can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of prompt vascular imaging and intervention in managing traumatic injuries to prevent severe complications.