Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula and brain abscess

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
14:58

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Published on: October 20, 2017

Velioglu1, Zzmenoglu, Alioglu

  • 1Karadeniz Teknik Universitesi (KTU), School of Medicine, Farabi Hospital, Department of Neurology, Trabzon, Turkey.

European Journal of Neurology
|April 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) can lead to serious brain abscesses. Early diagnosis and treatment of PAVF are crucial for preventing life-threatening central nervous system infections.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) are abnormal connections between pulmonary arteries and veins.
  • Patients with PAVFs have an increased risk of paradoxical embolism, leading to central nervous system complications such as brain abscesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of recurrent brain abscesses in a patient with an undiagnosed pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.
  • To highlight the importance of recognizing PAVF as a potential cause of brain abscesses.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 26-year-old male patient with a history of recurrent, life-threatening cerebral abscesses.
  • Review of the patient's medical history, revealing a long-standing, undiagnosed pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.
  • Description of treatment including parenteral antibiotics and subsequent embolization of the PAVF.

Main Results:

  • The patient experienced two distinct cerebral abscesses at different sites within a four-year period.
  • The underlying pulmonary arteriovenous fistula was identified and successfully treated with embolization.
  • Resolution of recurrent central nervous system infections following fistula treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Undiagnosed pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas represent a significant risk factor for developing brain abscesses.
  • Early diagnosis and effective treatment of PAVF are essential for preventing severe neurological complications and improving patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Adult Mouse Venous Hypertension Model: Common Carotid Artery to External Jugular Vein Anastomosis.08:27

Adult Mouse Venous Hypertension Model: Common Carotid Artery to External Jugular Vein Anastomosis.

Published on: January 27, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Veins of Head and Neck01:19

Veins of Head and Neck

The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...