[Symptomatic congenital arteriovenous malformation in the man]

A congenital arteriovenous malformation in the pelvic cavity is extremely rare and most patients have vague and longstanding pelvic symptoms before an exact diagnosis is made. We treated a 50-year-old man who suffered from recurrent pelvic pain. The diagnosis was confirmed by rectal palpation, colour Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography and arteriography. The patient was treated successfully by ligation of the nutrient vessels to reduce the perfusion volume by thrombosis of the malformation. Complete resection of the arteriovenous fistula, which involves a high risk of extensive blood loss, was not necessary. Three years after surgical intervention the patient has no complaints and no rectal pulsation.