Challenges of Management of Arteriovenous Malformation of the Pinna in a Low Resource Setting: A Case Report

Abstract

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is a lesion of vascular development characterized by an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein without an intervening capillary bed. AVM of the pinna is very rare with very few reported cases in Africa. Management of an AVM is often daunting, most especially in a resource challenged centre like ours where facilities for super selective embolization are not available. We present the case of a 17-year-old female with a pulsatile swelling of the left pinna since childhood. Clinical and radiological diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation was made. She was managed surgically with left external carotid artery ligation, partial auricular resection and postauricular scalp rotation flap cover of the cartilage remnant. The aetiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic confirmation and treatment options are discussed. We also discuss the challenges of managing AVM in poor resource settings like ours.