Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
A small number of patients who have no symptoms may not need treatment. For most patients with fistulas, the treatment of choice is to block the fistula during an arteriogram (embolization). | |||
Some patients may need surgery to remove the abnormal vessels and nearby lung tissue. | |||
When arteriovenous fistulas are caused by liver disease, the treatment is a liver transplant. | |||
==Where to find medical care for Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?== | ==Where to find medical care for Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula?== | ||
Revision as of 15:49, 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.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
- Abscesses or infections of the heart valves
- Abnormal blood vessels (telangiectasias) may be seen on the skin or mucus membranes
- Murmur heard when a stethoscope is placed over the abnormal blood vessel
- High red blood cell count
Tests include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Echocardiogram with bubble study
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
A small number of patients who have no symptoms may not need treatment. For most patients with fistulas, the treatment of choice is to block the fistula during an arteriogram (embolization).
Some patients may need surgery to remove the abnormal vessels and nearby lung tissue.
When arteriovenous fistulas are caused by liver disease, the treatment is a liver transplant.