arteriovenous fistula

Last reviewed 01/2018

Direct communication between an artery and a vein. It may be:

• congenital
• acquired as a result of trauma - for example, from a penetrating wound or a sharp blow;
• majority are caused by low-velocity penetrating injuries from a knife or small-calibre missile
• surgically created - for example, in the forearms or legs of patients undergoing renal dialysis

Reference:

• (1) Nagpal K, Ahmed K, Cuschieri R. Diagnosis and management of acute traumatic arteriovenous fistula. Int J Angiol. 2008;17(4):214-6