The role of CT angiography and endovascular treatment in acute-massive head and neck bleeding

Purpose To report the results of the endovascular treatment of acute-massive head and neck bleeding in a single center and underline the value of computerized tomography-angiography and endovascular treatment of this desperate patient group. Methods Forty-eight patients who suffered from acute-massive head and neck bleeding and in whom conservative treatment options had failed were included in the study. To localize the site of the bleeding, computerized tomography-angiography was obtained above the supra-aortic level. Depending on the type and site of bleeding, an urgent angiographic evaluation and appropriate endovascular treatment procedure were performed in the same session immediately. Complete control of all active bleeding was determined as "technical success" at the end of the procedure. Results The majority of the endovascular treatment indications were tumoral mass bleedings in this study. Eight patients, all of which had head and neck tumors as the cause of the bleeding underwent repeated interventional procedures due to acute re-bleeding. All patients left the angiography unit with technical success and dramatic clinical improvement. Two patients had procedure-related severe complications, such as contrast-induced nephropathy and acute cerebrovascular accident. One patient died due to massive re-bleeding during the follow-up period. Conclusion Computerized tomography-angiography is a successful imaging method to reveal the location and cause of bleeding. Endovascular treatment of acute-massive head and neck bleeding is an effective and life-saver treatment option that can be used successfully with relatively low-risk potential.