Congenital Arteriovenous Fistulation of the Lower Limb

FAILURE of endothelial closure between primordial arteries and veins results in a complex of multiple arteriovenous shunts without intervening capillary bed. As compared to the simple traumatic variety, these congenital shunts are almost always multiple, and the term "fistulation" is hereinafter used to emphasize this multiplicity. Considering the intricacies of vascular embryology, it is remarkable that the condition is not more frequently seen. By the time it is discovered, congenital fistulation is usually already slowly expanding and has become destructive. By pressure erosions, nonmalignant "invasion" of adjacent muscle, bone, nerves and other structures gives rise to the false impression of . . .