Arteriovenous fistula of the lower lip: case report of combined intravascular and surgical cure.

PURPOSE We describe a patient presenting with a vascular mass of the lower lip with a history of traumatic lip-biting. The lesion was treated with preoperative intravascular embolic therapy and surgical excision. SUMMARY Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the head and neck are vascular lesions with a single connection between the involved artery and vein. Trauma to the area, often in the distant past, is often seen as the inciting event. We describe a patient with a lower-lip AVF with repeated episodes of lip biting that caused expansion of the mass. The patient underwent preoperative embolic therapy and surgical excision with excellent functional and cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSION Arteriovenous fistula of the lower lip can be successfully managed with preservation of lip function and cosmesis through combined intravascular and surgical therapy.