[Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula]

Abstract

A case of multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas is reported. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a characteristic associated finding, and in this instance affected 10 members of the patient's family over four generations. This association suggests that the pulmonary condition in its congenital form is part of a generalized vascular dysplasia. Clinically, the patient experienced increased dyspnea and fatigue but cyanosis and polycythemia were not noted. After surgical excision of the fistula with conservation of as much pulmonary tissue as possible, prompt relief of symptoms was obtained. Furthermore, angiographic studies revealed that the small fistulas in the other lung did not enlarge. The presence of multiple fistulas is not a contraindication to surgery, and such fistulas should be excised to improve the patient's condition and prevent further complications.