[Microscopic pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas]

Arch Inst Cardiol Mex. 1981 Sep-Oct;51(5):463-9.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

A case of pulmonary arterio-venous microfistula in a fifteen year old male is reported. He referred dyspnea and cyanosis for 3 and 2 years respectively. Physical examination was normal except for finger clubbing. Chest radiograph and EKG were also normal. Lung function tests showed hypoxemia due to an increase in veno-arterial shunt (Qs/Qt). Its localization was not apparent by routine studies such as phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, right heart catheterization and pulmonary angiogram. However, a contrast echocardiogram and selective occlusion of the right and left pulmonary arteries performed with a Dotter-Lucas catheter were suggestive of an intrapulmonary localization of the shunt. A lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Artery*
  • Pulmonary Veins*
  • Radiography