A-V Fistulae from Arrow Injuries: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Feathered arrows, representing some of the primeval weapons of man are still being used as violent weapons for settling disputes. Seventeen various cases of cardio-vascular injuries caused by arrow shots were recorded at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) from 1994 to 1998. Of these, one involved the temporal vessels, which led to a temporo-temporal A-V fistula causing the patient continuous noisy headache. The late complication was only recognized about two years post injury. Another arrow shot injury involved femoral vessels and resulted in femoro-femoral A-V fistula, which came to be recognized four yeas post injury. The thigh fistula caused cardio-pulmonary decompensation.

The two patients had undergone alternative treatments between orthodox medical practitioners and medicine men both in Nigeria and some other West African countries, prior to presentation at UMTH. Successful surgical vascular repairs restored normal health conditions to the patients. Vascular complications of any missile injury should be recognized early so as to prevent serious complications.


Key Words: Arrow, Cardio-vascular, A-V Fistula


[Mary Slessor Jnl of Medicine Vol.3(1) 2003: 55-60]