An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Normally, blood flows from your arteries to your capillaries to your veins.
Arteriovenous fistulas are often surgically created in Aadil Hospital for use in dialysis in people with severe kidney disease
Arteriovenous fistula signs and symptoms may include:
i. Purplish, bulging veins that you can see through your skin, similar to varicose veins
ii. Swelling in the arms or legs
iii. Decreased blood pressure
iv. Fatigue
v. Heart failure
Include:
i. Duplex ultrasound. Duplex ultrasound is the most effective and common way to check for an arteriovenous fistula in the blood vessels of your legs or arms. In duplex ultrasound, an instrument called a transducer is pressed against your skin over the suspicious area.
ii. Computerized tomography (CT) angiogram. A CT angiogram allows your doctor to check your arteries to see if blood flow is bypassing the capillaries.
iii. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Your doctor may use an MRA if he or she thinks you may have an arteriovenous fistula in an artery that's deep under your skin. This test allows your doctor to see the soft tissues in your body. It uses the same technique as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but also includes the use of a special dye that helps create images of your blood vessels.
Consult at Aadil Hospital for appropriate treatment.
