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Ear arteriovenous malformation: an algorithm for management

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 July 2025

Komala Abhishek Reddy Open the ORCID record for Komala Abhishek Reddy [Opens in a new window] ,
Ashish Kumar Gupta  and
Jonathan Victor
Komala Abhishek Reddy*
Affiliation:
Department of Plastic Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Ashish Kumar Gupta
Affiliation:
Department of Plastic Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Jonathan Victor
Affiliation:
Department of Plastic Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
*
Corresponding author: Komala Abhishek Reddy; Email: karonline@gmail.com
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Abstract

Introduction

Ear arteriovenous malformation is a complex problem with a lack of data and a clear consensus on its management. This paper aims to develop an algorithm for protocol-based ear arteriovenous malformation management.

Method

All patients underwent pre-operative discussions at a multi-disciplinary team meeting to plan excision and pre-operative embolisation.

Results

Nineteen patients were included in this study. Following excision, 26.3 per cent of cases had flap cover, 10.5 per cent needed a skin graft, 15.3 per cent had total amputation of the ear, and the rest underwent excision of the arteriovenous malformation with or without cartilage excision and primary closure. Recurrence was observed in 10.5 per cent of cases.

Conclusion

Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for ear arteriovenous malformations. Cartilage should be preserved whenever possible. The wound cover should be either a primary closure or a flap cover. A protocol-based guide facilitates decision-making of this complex problem.

Keywords

Ear deformityVascular malformationsAngioembolizationOtoplastyEar amputation

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , First View , pp. 1 - 7
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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