Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula is a congenital pulmonary vascular malformation. The blood vessels expand and curl or form a cavernous hemangioma. Pulmonary arterial blood flows directly into the pulmonary veins without passing through the alveoli. The pulmonary arteries and the veins communicate directly to form a short circuit. First described by Churton in 1897, it was called multiple pulmonary aneurysm. In 1939, Smith used cardiovascular angiography to confirm the disease. There are many names in the literature, such as pulmonary arteriovenous tumor, haemagiectasis of the lung, capillary telangiectasia with pulmonary aneurysm (haemonreac telangiectasia with pulmonary artery aneurysm). In addition, the disease is familial and is related to genetic factors, such as hereditary bleeding telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease).