Traumatic arteriovenous fistulae: “The Lebanese War Experience”

• Published in: European journal of vascular surgery Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 171 - 173
• Main Authors: Khoury, Ghattas, Sfeir, Roger, Nabbout, Ghassan, Jabbour-Khoury, Samar, Fahl, Muhieddine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.1994
• Subjects: Adult; Arteriovenous Fistula - epidemiology; Arteriovenous Fistula - etiology; Arteriovenous Fistula - surgery; Arteriovenous fistulae; Carotid Artery Injuries; Female; Femoral Artery - injuries; Femoral Vein - injuries; Humans; Incidence; Lebanon - epidemiology; Male; Popliteal Artery - injuries; Popliteal Vein - injuries; Surgical repair; Vascular trauma; Warfare; Lebanon; Arteriovenous fistulae; Vascular trauma; Surgical repair
• ISSN: 0950-821X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0950-821X(05)80454-2

Over a 16-year period from January 1975 to December 1990, 823 patients with 840 vascular injuries were treated at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Of these, 661 injuries involved peripheral vessels; 26 of which had 31 arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). Most of the AVF (80%) were diagnosed within 1 year from the injury. The most common presenting symptom was a thrill (74%) followed by a pulsating mass (32%). The most commonly affected vessels were the femoral and popliteal arteries. Angiograms were used preoperatively to delineate the extent and location of the fistulae. All patients except three, underwent surgical repair with excellent results with no limb loss. None of the patients developed late complications such as claudication or a vascular deficit in the involved limb. Arteriovenous fistula is a rare but challenging condition following vascular trauma. Its recognition and treatment give excellent results.