Epidemiology
Etiology
- AV fistulas can be congenital or acquired
- The acquired fistula may be a complication of cardiac or dialysis catheterization
Clinical
- AV fistulas may be asymptomatic when small, but can cause high cardiac output failure if significant flow occurs through the fistula
References
- Thalhammer C, et al. Postcatheterization pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas: repair with percutaneous implantation of endovascular covered stents. Radiology 2000;214:127
- Lamar R, et al. Femoral arteriovenous fistula as a complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. A report of five cases. Am Surg 1990;56:702