Arteriovenous shunts associated with peripheral obliterative arterial disease. Haemodynamic, arteriographic and...

From among 210 patients with severe peripheral obliterative arterial disease, the presence of an arteriovenous shunt was demonstrated in 17 cases. Arteriovenous communications were visualized by serial angiographic records and 99mTc macroaggregate isotope testing. The regulation of the limb circulation was investigated using the venous isotope dilution method. Characteristic haemodynamic changes were revealed in arteriovenous shunts associated with peripheral arterial obliterative disease: total limb blood was comparatively high, arteriovenous difference was low and limb O2 consumption was decreased. The clinical significance of the haemodynamic changes in arteriovenous shunting associated with obliterative arterial disease is discussed.