Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula Involving the Radial Artery and Cephalic Vein of the Right Upper Limb

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is defined as an anomalous communication between an artery and a vein. Iatrogenic AVFs are a rare clinical finding compared to the congenital type. They are most commonly secondary to penetrating and blunt trauma, iatrogenic complications of invasive procedures, and operations. Although still rare, iatrogenic AVFs are more commonly reported now due to the increased use of percutaneous diagnostic and interventional endovascular procedures. Here, we present the case report of a 22-year-old female, who had undergone intravenous (IV) cannulation in the right forearm volar aspect, for IV antibiotics, as a treatment of typhoid fever. Five years after the procedure, she developed an aneurysmal swelling in the volar aspect of the right forearm, which on computed tomography revealed two aneurysms lying next to each other with a communication akin to a fistula. The dual aneurysms were completely resected.