Arteriovenous Fistula of the Aortic Arch

Arteriovenous fistulas of traumatic origin involving the thoracic aorta are rare. Four previous reports of successful repair of fistulas in this location have been made1 2 3 4 (Table 1). Our purpose is to present the case of a patient with this type of defect in whom the following unusual findings were noted: a preoperative course complicated by ten years of intermittent cardiac decompensation; physical findings superficially resembling those of patent ductus arteriosus; successful repair twelve years after the original injury; notable absence of collateral circulation; and existence of a second fistula between the innominate artery and the right innominate vein.Case Report . . .