clinical features

Last reviewed 01/2018

These include:

  • pulsatile swelling - especially in superficial lesions
  • dilated tortuous and thick walled (arterialised) veins
  • thrill
  • continuous bruit (‘machinery murmur’) on auscultation
  • increased pulse rate

Pressure on artery proximal to fistula causes swelling to diminish, thrill and bruit to cease, and pulse to fall.

Reference:

  • (1) Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 25the edition