Iliac-vena caval fistula: an uncommon acute traumatic arteriovenous fistula

Acute traumatic arteriovenous fistulas in major abdominal vessels are relatively rare. They are often difficult to detect without arteriography in a patient with multiple injuries, without a nonexpanding hematoma. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of an acute traumatic iliac-vena caval fistula. The value of arteriography in diagnosis and the need for early recognition and operation of these lesions are stressed. Definitive arterial and venous reconstruction should be performed whenever feasible.