A Rare Case of Traumatic Innominate-Innominate Arteriovenous Fistula

BACKGROUND This report presents a rare case of a traumatic innominate artery to left innominate vein fistula following a stab wound to the base of the neck. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 23-year-old patient with a traumatic innominate-innominate arteriovenous fistula, after being stabbed in the suprasternal notch area 3 years prior. The patient presented with fatigue, and shortness of breath on exertion. Examination revealed a wide pulse pressure, bounding pulses, and a continuous murmur on the upper sternal area. Chest X-rays, echocardiography, CT angiography, and cardiac catheterization were useful to aid in diagnosis and work-up for fistula repair. A complex 8-mm fistula between the left innominate vein and the proximal innominate artery was noted, with multiple tortuous channels and demonstrating a reversible left-to-right shunt. After medical optimization, successful surgical ligation and division of the fistula was done through median sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS Traumatic innominate-innominate arteriovenous fistulas are rare and can pose a diagnostic challenge. High index of suspicion, careful history, examination, and radiologic evaluation usually result in correct diagnosis. Endovascular and surgical approaches are the mainstay treatment.