Unusual arteriovenous communications presenting as cardiac murmurs in infancy. Report of three cases

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Infants presenting with thoracic murmurs are typically evaluated for cardiac abnormalities.
• Rarely, non-cardiac vascular anomalies can mimic cardiac murmurs, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• Three infants presented with murmurs near the thorax initially suspected to be cardiac.
• Detailed investigations revealed the murmurs originated from non-cardiac vascular anomalies.

Findings:

• Case 1: Aorto-azygos fistula.
• Case 2: Vertebral arteriovenous fistula.
• Case 3: Intercostal angioma.

Implications:

• Systemic arteriovenous communications are rare but critical differential diagnoses for atypical infant murmurs.
• Consideration of these vascular lesions can prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate management in infants.