True facial artery aneurysm of the submandibular region: A rare case report

Abstract

A true aneurysm is a dilation of the arterial wall that preserves vessel continuity, retains three layers (intima, media, and adventitia), and commonly occurs in the aorta, including the thoracic and abdominal aorta. In contrast, true aneurysms of the external carotid artery and its branches are rare. Among several therapeutic options for true aneurysms, catheter-based embolization is the traditional treatment method. However, parent artery occlusion may not always result in permanent exclusion of the aneurysm from the systemic circulation. Dilation of the vasa vasorum is one of the mechanisms of occlusion recanalization. Herein, we present a rare case of a true aneurysm of the facial artery aneurysm. The patient underwent coil embolization as the initial treatment. Subsequently, surgical resection was performed due to aneurysm regrowth caused by vasa vasorum dilation. Although embolization is a useful and safe treatment option for facial aneurysms, careful follow-up radiological examinations are required because of the possibility of regrowth.