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Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation associated with necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh

Shimon Binyamini1, David Ergas, Pearl I Herskovitz

  • 1Department of Medicine B, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|December 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is rare, usually linked to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. This case highlights a rare PAVM association with necrotizing fasciitis, suggesting broader potential complications beyond brain abscesses.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are uncommon vascular anomalies.
  • PAVMs are frequently associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).
  • While PAVM-associated brain abscesses are documented, extrapulmonary abscesses are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old female patient presented with a confirmed PAVM.
  • The patient showed no clinical signs of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
  • The patient was also diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh.

Findings:

  • This case describes an unusual co-occurrence of PAVM and necrotizing fasciitis.
  • It challenges the typical understanding of PAVM complications.
  • The absence of HHT in this patient further distinguishes the case.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest a potential, yet poorly understood, link between PAVMs and severe soft tissue infections like necrotizing fasciitis.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the pathophysiology and clinical significance of this association.
  • This case broadens the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with PAVMs and unusual infectious processes.

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