Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas with pulmonary hypertension

Two cases of pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas associated with pulmonary hypertension occurring in young multiparous women are described. Both cases suggest the development of pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas subsequent to and as a consequence of the onset of pulmonary hypertension. Etiologic factors resulting in the development of the pulmonary hypertension in these patients, including the possible role of estrogens, are considered. The possible causal relationship of the pulmonary hypertension to the development of the pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas is discussed, and the importance of detecting the presence of pulmonary hypertension is stressed, since resection of the arteriovenous fistulas would be contraindicated in this situation.