Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (patient information)
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