Arteriovenous Fistula as a Rare Early Complication of Transradial Coronary Angiography: With Literature Review on Management Strategies

Abstract

Iatrogenic arteriovenous (AV) fistula is a vascular complication which may result from coronary angiography. Whilst infrequent via transfemoral access, the incidence in transradial angiography is even rarer with mostly case reports in the literature. Most of these had thus far described transradial AV fistula formation as a delayed complication requiring surgical intervention. Here we describe a rare early case of transradial AV fistula complicating coronary intervention which was managed conservatively with mechanical compression. Follow-up imaging confirmed resolution of fistula. We also reviewed the existing literature on management strategies for transradial AV fistula. We support the use of conservative management as the first-line treatment option for transradial AV fistula, with surgical options reserved for cases involving limb vascular compromise and cardiac insufficiency.




J Med Cases. 2015;6(10):453-456
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2291w