Acquired Arteriovenous Fistula

Acquired arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal communication between an artery and vein acquired after trauma, iatrogenic (dialysis access), aneurysm rupture, or infection. It causes local bruit/thrill, venous hypertension, ischemia (steal), or high-output heart failure with large shunts. Treatment: observation for small asymptomatic; endovascular embolization/stenting; surgical repair for symptomatic, high-flow, ischemic steal, or heart failure; manage dialysis access fistulas (monitor/thrombectomy/revision); treat infection.

Common Symptoms

Bruit/thrill; venous hypertension; ischemic steal; high-output HF; by traumatic/iatrogenic/aneurysmal

Causes and Pathogenesis

Trauma/iatrogenic/aneurysm creates direct artery-vein shunt, causing local/hemodynamic effects.

Treatment

Observe small; embolize/stent/surgery for symptomatic/high-flow/steal/HF; manage dialysis access

Preventive Measures

Careful vascular access; treat trauma/aneurysm; monitor dialysis fistulas.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Vascular-surgery/Interventional-radiology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.