2023 Volume 39 Issue 2 Pages 29-35
An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal short-circuit between arteriovenous vessels that does not involve capillaries. Acquired arteriovenous fistulas are caused by traumatic injuries such as puncture wounds and contusions, and sometimes by medical procedures. Traumatic arteriovenous fistulas occurring in the facial area have been reported infrequently, and supratrochlear arteriovenous fistulas are also extremely rare. We encountered a case of supratrochlear arteriovenous fistula. The arteriovenous fistula was located in the external carotid artery system and clustered in the frontal, lateral orbital, and temporal regions, being consistent with the site of trauma. Therefore, arteriovenous fistulas should be suspected when a mass with pulsation that disappears with pressure is found at a trauma site.
In this case, the surgical approach was the first choice because the arteriovenous fistula was relatively superficial and tumor diameter was small. Embolization may be an option despite the risk of blindness associated with ocular artery embolization.
