OBJECTIVE: To present a case of arteriovenous malformation of the mandible in a young postpartum woman and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas involved.

METHODS:

          Design: Case Report

          Setting: Tertiary Private Teaching Hospital

          Participant: One (1)

RESULT: A 27-year-old woman with left mandibular swelling two weeks after tooth extraction was diagnosed and managed as a case of arteriovenous malformation. The extent of the lesion prevented surgical intervention and bleeding recurred despite three embolization attempts. Ultimately, the left external carotid artery and contralateral dorsal contributory vessel were sacrificed causing necrosis of the anterior tongue and its eventual detachment. Three sessions of stereotactic radiosurgery eventually controlled the bleeding with no recurrence to date.

CONCLUSION: On her second month following stereotactic radiosurgery, there appeared to be no complete resolution of the AVM but there was also no recanalization or regrowth of the lesion. Uncertain about whether her arteriovenous malformation will revascularize and how we may be able to help her in the event that it does, the waiting game continues for our patient.