Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Carotid-jugular fistula diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography
Chris Somerville1, Lindsay A Lucas, Robert W W Biederman
1Department of Radiology, Drexel University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. m.chris.somerville@gmail.com
Abstract:
Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the neck are rare, and are most frequently caused by internal jugular catheter placement or penetrating trauma. Diagnosis can be missed when pathognomonic physical exam findings are absent, and heart failure can develop late when AVFs go unrepaired. We present what we believe to be the first reported case of common carotid-internal jugular fistula diagnosed during transesophageal echocardiography. Causes, physical exam findings, complications, diagnostic imaging, and treatment are discussed.
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