Traumatic arteriovenous fistula after ice axe injury 27 years ago: A case report.
Kate N Thomas, Emma M W Jones, Arunesh Majumder et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 74-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of significant left leg swelling, varicose veins, and a history of an ice axe injury from 1997. Ultrasound revealed a traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between the superficial femoral artery and femoral vein, leading to high output cardiac failure. The condition was managed following diagnosis, highlighting the long-term complications of untreated AVFs.
What made this case unusual
The case is notable for the delayed presentation of a traumatic AVF, which remained undetected for 27 years after an ice axe injury.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the possibility of a traumatic arteriovenous fistula in patients with unexplained leg swelling and a history of trauma, even decades prior.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of recognizing long-term complications from traumatic injuries, which can manifest years later and lead to significant cardiovascular issues.