title: The syndrome of spontaneous iliac arteriovenous fistula: a distinct clinical and pathophysiologic entity.
abstract: While the development of a spontaneous iliac arteriovenous fistula is an uncommon complication of arteriosclerotic aneurysmal disease, its association with a distinct clinical syndrome allows timely operative intervention for this potentially life-threatening event. A review of cases reported in the literature reveals a triad of symptoms consistently associated with the presence of a spontaneous iliac arteriovenous fistula: high-output cardiac failure of precipitous onset, a pulsatile abdominal mass accompanied by a thrill and bruit, and unilateral lower-extremity ischemia or venous engorgement. Survival may be anticipated if an aggressive diagnostic and operative approach is employed.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D007084:Iliac Vein; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D013577:Syndrome