Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What are the symptoms of Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?== | ==What are the symptoms of Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?== | ||
Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include: | |||
*[[Bloody sputum]] | |||
*[[Difficulty breathing]] | |||
*[[Difficulty exercising]] | |||
*[[Nosebleeds]] | |||
*[[Shortness of breath]] with exertion | |||
Other possible symptoms include: | |||
*Blue skin ([[cyanosis]]) | |||
*[[Clubbing]] of the fingers | |||
==What causes Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?== | ==What causes Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?== | ||
Revision as of 15:44, 12 August 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula |
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Where to find medical care for Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula? |
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Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula |
Overview
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula is a condition in which an abnormal connection (fistula) develops between an artery and vein in the lungs. As a result, blood passes through the lungs without receiving enough oxygen.
What are the symptoms of Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?
Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Bloody sputum
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty exercising
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath with exertion
Other possible symptoms include:
- Blue skin (cyanosis)
- Clubbing of the fingers
What causes Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas are usually the result of a genetic (inherited) disease that causes the blood vessels of the lung to develop abnormally. Fistulas also can be a complication of liver disease.
Patients with Rendu-Osler-Weber disease (ROWD) -- also called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasis (HHT) -- often have abnormal blood vessels in many parts of the body.