Percutaneous microwave ablation‑induced hepatic artery‑pulmonary artery fistula: A rare case report

Microwave ablation (MWA) is safe and effective for patients with unresectable primary and secondary hepatic tumors, but it also has a series of complications. The present study reported on the case of a 60-year-old male patient with progression of solitary liver metastasis who underwent multiple courses and lines of chemotherapy. Hepatic artery-pulmonary artery fistula due to thermal damage may occur after MWA for hepatic tumor adjacent to the diaphragm. Symptomatic improvement was achieved by trans-arterial embolization and hepatic arteriography indicated complete occlusion of the fistula. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged three days later. This rare complication should be taken into consideration in clinical treatment.