Post-traumatic arteriovenous fistulae of the extremities: A case series

Post-traumatic arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) can lead to congestive heart failure and limb ischaemia. The objective of this study was to determine the presentations, interventions, and outcomes (morbidity and mortality) of the patients treated with traumatic AVF at a university hospital between January 1995 to December 2018. Nine patients (M: F 8:1) with median age of 30 [IQR 24.5] years were included in the study. They presented as 'missed injuries' with median delay of 4 [IQR 55.25] months. Most had penetrating injuries and presented with painful limb swelling, pain, and venous ulcer. Superficial femoral and popliteal were the most involved vessels. Seven (77.7%) patients had surgery, while 2 (22.2%) had endovascular interventions. Open arterial reconstruction was performed with interposition vein in 4 (44.4%) or with prosthetic grafts in 1(11.1%) patient. There was no peri-operative morbidity or 30-day mortality. All patients had smooth recovery with limb salvage rate of 100%.