Pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery following tonsillectomy: a rare complication.

Background: Tonsiliectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology; however, life-threatening complications can occur in r are cases. Patients: We report about a seven-year-old girl who developed a pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery following elective routine tonsillecto my, Results and Conclusion: Initial ENT examination will reveal a painful c ervical mass or unilateral palatal swelling that can easily be misinterpret ed as a peritonsillar (or parapharyngeal) abscess. Computed tomography and angiography are indicated to confirm the diagnosis. Bleeding from a pseudoa neurysm of any branch of the external carotid artery represents a serious a nd life-threatening complication. Surgery is the treatment of choice.