Post-traumatic arteriovenous fistulae of the extremities: a case series

Abstract

Post-traumatic AVF can lead to congestive heart failure, and limb ischemia. The objective of the study is to determine presentations, interventions and outcomes (morbidity and mortality) of the patients treated with traumatic AVF at a university hospital between Jan 1995 to December 2018. Nine patients (M: F 8:1) with median age of 30 [IQR 24.5] years were included in the study. They presented as ‘missed injuries’ with median delay of 4 [IQR 55.25] months. Most had penetrating injuries and presented with painful limb swelling, pain and venous ulcer. Superficial femoral (33.3%) and popliteal (22.2%) vessels were the most involved vessels. Seven (77.7%) patients had surgery while two (22.2%) had endovascular interventions. Arterial reconstruction with interposition vein (44.4%) or with prosthetic (11.1%) grafts was done. There was no peri-operative morbidity or 30-day mortality. All patients had smooth recovery with 100% limb salvage rate.

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