Late complications of traumatic arteriovenous fistula. Case report and overview

Traumatic arteriovenous (AV) fistulas produce several profound pathophysiologic and structural changes in the circulatory dynamics of the vessels associated with the fistula. Most of the changes are reversible with surgery. However, in longstanding AV fistulas, irreversible degenerative changes occur in the arterial wall and result in dilatation and thrombosis. This can make late closure technically difficult. This report presents a case of peroneal AV fistula of 18 years duration. The diagnosis, management, and complications of long-standing AV fistulas are discussed.