Traumatic Arteriovenous Malformation of the Radial Artery – A Case Report

Abstract

Vascular malformations have varying aetiology; these may be, congenital, traumatic or infective. An arteriovenous fistula occurs when there is an anomalous persistence of one or more anastomoses that present during the transformation from the network stage to the truncular stage of vascular development. Noninvoluting haemangiomas with an arteriovenous component result from persistence of this tubule which leaves an abnormal connection between arteries and veins . Contrast study is invaluable especially in peripheral malformations. Vogelzang regrets that arteriography of the hand is a specialized area of angiography that has received little attention from radiologists and surgeons. A case of this type of traumatic arterivenous malformation of the radial artery is presented to call attention to the rare but known type of arterial injury that could result from trauma. A high index of suspicion is necessary if this diagnosis is not to be missed.

West African Journal of Radiology Vol.7(1) 2000: 38-40