[Diagnosis and management of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula]

To evaluate the causes, characteristics of clinical manifestations and the complications of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods, and to improve the efficacy of treatment.

Through reviewing reference articles and 22 cases.

Arteriovenous fistulae in 12 of 22 cases were removed by pulmonary resection, of whom 9 were completely recovered, 1 recovered significantly, 1 got better in early stage but could not be follow-up 6 months later, 1 died one year after operation. Five out of the 22 cases were surgically intervened with other non-pulmonary operations, of whom 4 recovered but the clinical appearances of PAVF were not obviously improved, 1 died shortly after operation. The others of 22 cases (5 cases) were not specially treated and not be follow-up.

Echocardiography is the most simple, efficient method for diagnosis of PAVF. Pulmonary angiography can identify the size, location and profile of the PAVF. The results of removal of the fistulae are excellent, however the candidates should be selected strictly.