Facial nerve palsy unusual complication of percutaneous angiography and embolization for juvenile angiofibroma.

Juvenile angiofibrorna is a locally invasive, vascular and non-encapsulated neoplasm occurring almost exclusively in adolescent males. Although histologically benign, these tumors are highly aggressive and are associated with significant morbidity and occasional mortality. It has marked tendency to recur if not completely removed. As the tumor is highly vascular, surgely is frequently accompanied by significant intraoperative hemorrhage, which may contribute to incomplete removal and additional morbidity and mortality2. Roberson (1972) was first to advocate pre-operative angiography and embolization of major feeding vessels as an adjunct therapeutic method in addition to surgery, to facilitate complete excision of the tumOr and to minimize the risk of complications due to profuse haemorrhage during surgery. Since then embolization has been recommended by a number of authors. Complications of angiography and embolization, such as accidental embolization of the brain and ophthalmic artery, facial nerve palsy and necrosis of the skin and soft tissue may occur. We present our experience, of a patient with Juvenile angiofibroma, who had pre-operatively percutaneous angiography and embolization of internal maxillary artery followed by facial nerve palsy of the same side.