Localized enlargement of the thyroid gland presenting as a pyriform sinus mass.

Abstract

AbstractThis paper gives a brief description of the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of extracranial arteriovenous fistulas.These fistulas may be either acquired or congenital in origin. Their natural history is one of progression which can result in severe hemodynamic changes. Extracranial arteriovenous fistulas usually occur between the terminal branches of the external carotid artery and the lateral sinus or jugular venous systems. The most common symptom, pulsatile tinnitus, can often be decreased by common carotid artery compression unless there is a significant contribution from the vertebral arterial system.Selective arteriography utilizing subtraction technique is the most important diagnostic study.The recommended treatment is complete surgical excision of the fistula and ligation of all feeding vessels. The recurrence rate is higher with the other methods of control, such as simple ligation, irradiation, injection of sclerosing agents and embolization.Two patients with congenital arteriovenous fistulas are presented.