Multiple intrapulmonary arteriovenous fistulas in childhood

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Creating Radio-cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in the Forearm with a Modified No-Touch Technique
07:30

Creating Radio-cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in the Forearm with a Modified No-Touch Technique

Published on: April 1, 2022

A Sands1, E Dalzell, B Craig

  • 1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, United Kingdom.

Pediatric Cardiology
|September 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) can cause childhood cyanosis. Nifedipine effectively treated two young boys with AVFs, demonstrating its therapeutic potential for this rare condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are uncommon vascular malformations.
  • They can be congenital or acquired, often presenting with cyanosis in children.
  • AVFs are associated with multisystem disorders and conditions like hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of boys in their first decade of life presenting with cyanosis due to AVFs.
  • Bubble echocardiography strongly indicated the presence of AVFs in both patients.
  • Cardiac catheterization revealed normal pulmonary artery pressure and diffuse pulmonary telangiectasis.

Findings:

  • Both patients diagnosed with pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas.
  • Nifedipine therapy proved effective in managing the condition for both individuals.
  • The study highlights nifedipine as a viable treatment option for pediatric AVFs.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis of AVFs using echocardiography is crucial.
  • Nifedipine offers an effective treatment strategy for pediatric pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas.
  • Understanding AVF pathophysiology aids in managing cyanotic heart conditions in children.

More Related Videos

A Modified Technique for Arteriovenous Fistula Construction in Rabbits05:00

A Modified Technique for Arteriovenous Fistula Construction in Rabbits

Published on: February 10, 2023

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula06:12

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula

Published on: July 11, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Overview of Pulmonary Circulation01:19

Overview of Pulmonary Circulation

The pulmonary circulation is a vital system in our body that acts as a bridge between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It serves as a transport network for deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and then returns oxygen-rich blood back to the heart.
The process begins with the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary trunk. This large vessel extends about 5 centimeters before splitting into the left and right pulmonary arteries. These arteries...
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...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.