Popliteal Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistula

Abstract

Popliteal trauma requires particular attention because blood vessel injuries in that zone might cause serious complications. Popliteal traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) should be considered for serious leg amputation, and long-standing fistulae produce cardiac overload. The diagnosis is usually made after clinical examination, finding palpable thrill and audible bruit over the injury site, and is confirmed after duplex ultrasonography and/or angiography. We present a case of popliteal traumatic arteriovenous fistula with false aneurysm (pseudoaneurysm) (PSA), in which duplex ultrasonography and angiography findings proved inconsistent with the findings at surgery, thus resulting in an unnecessary extensive dissection of a major artery and vein, whereas the fistula and the PSA were found in minor vessels (genicular artery and vein).