Delayed traumatic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula after a stab wound: case report

Eight cases of superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula (SMAVF) occurring after an abdominal stab wound have been reported. Seven of these patients manifested symptoms within 1 month after the stab wound. We report the case of a 28-year-old man whose SMAVF occurred 31 months after an abdominal stab wound. A SMAVF must be considered even when considerable time has elapsed between penetrating abdominal trauma and symptoms of abdominal pain, unexplained diarrhea, or an abdominal bruit or thrill.