Abstract
Objective: A case of posterior epistaxis treated using transarterial embolization with detachable coils is presented.
Case: A 54yearold man presented with continuous bleeding from the posterior turbinate despite packing with inflatable balloons and endoscopic cauterization. A presurgical angiography failed to indicate the bleeding site. Thus, the tip of a pair of forceps was attached to the bleeding site while an external carotid angiography was performed. This maneuver accurately revealed that the bleeding was from the proximal portion of the left posterolateral branch of the sphenopalatine artery. Then, the bifurcation of the left sphenopalatine artery was tightly packed with detachable coils. After the endovascular treatment and additional nasal packing, a complete cure was obtained.
Conclusion: Targeted embolization of the sphenopalatine artery with platinum coils is effective for cases with intractable posterior epistaxis.
