Congenital Arteriovenous Fistulas of the Thoracic Wall

Abstract

Arteriovenous fistulas of the thoracic wall may produce murmurs and thrills which suggest an intrathoracic vascular abnormality. Congenital arteriovenous fistulas in the precordial region, the site of the fistula in the case here reported, may be confused with anomalies of the heart and great vessels. The differential diagnosis of blood vessel tumors of the chest wall is discussed. Occasionally arteriovenous fistulas involve both the thoracic wall and intrathoracic viscera.