A case of pulsatile scalp swelling in a child

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are an entity most commonly seen in the head and neck region. An AVF is a direct connection between the arterial feeders and the draining veins without intervening capillary beds (unlike an arteriovenous malformation in which a nidus intervenes between the arteries and veins). We describe a case of traumatic AVF in a child aged 9 years, who presented with a pulsatile scalp swelling following blunt trauma to the head. It turned out to be an AVF between the superficial temporal artery and vein. Correct diagnosis of an AVF involves Doppler examination with digital subtraction angiography providing a good roadmap for treatment, which can be either endovascular or surgical.