Arteriovenous fistula of the internal maxillary artery: treatment with transarterial embolization

Six patients with arteriovenous fistulas of the internal maxillary artery were treated with transarterial embolization. The patients ranged in age from 19 to 47 years, with a mean of 26.5 years. Each had a lifelong history of symptoms suggestive of a congenital origin of symptoms. There was no history of trauma. The most common initial symptoms were bruit (83%), pulsatile mass (67%), and pain (50%). In one patient prior surgical ligation of the external carotid artery had been attempted, but it led to aggravation of headaches. All patients were treated with placement of a detachable balloon at the fistula site. In one patient the balloon migrated through the fistula, which was retreated with coils. Complete obliteration of the fistula was achieved in all patients. The follow-up ranged from 2 months to 10 years, with a mean of 5.2 years. Congenital arteriovenous fistulas of the internal maxillary artery are rare and can be treated effectively with transvascular techniques.