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Vascular access is essential for the implementation of hemodialysis (HD). The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) can be constructed in various locations using various veins. However, the quality of the veins will influence the construction site, as well as the functioning of the AVF. Careful analysis of the vascular network allows options for the development of new fistulas presentations. We present and discuss the case of a woman aged 69 years in HD in which a brachial-cephalic fistula with drainage to basilic vein was created, through rotation of the cephalic vein on the forearm level. This kind of access serves to prolong the time spent dialyzing through native fistulae, with their reduced complications and greater cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 45-year-old male patient, who after sustaining a head injury presented with posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistulae (CCFs) after two months, and whose CCF was coil embolized during digital subtraction angiography. Topics discussed include CCF caused by arterial blood leakage into venous cavernous sinus, presentation like orbital/retro-orbital pain, and endovascular embolization options like transarterially through internal carotid artery (ICA).

Primary aortoenteric fistulae are difficult conditions to diagnose and manage. A 35-year-old male developed massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to a primary aortoduodenal fistula. Previous radiation therapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for germ cell cancer with resultant dense retroperitoneal fibrosis made open aortic repair impossible. Endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and stent graft repair of the primary aortoduodenal fistula was performed. At 1-year follow-up, there is no clinical or radiographic evidence of stent-graft infection. Endovascular techniques and repair are important approaches to consider during the management of complicated primary aortoenteric fistulae when open surgical repair is not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula and an intracranial pseudoaneurysm are uncommon but well-known complications of head trauma. A rare subtype of arteriovenous fistula may occur from a pseudoaneurysm of the anterior communicating artery (AcoA) instead of the internal carotid artery. We describe a patient with a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the AcoA with a cavernous sinus fistula treated with endovascular treatment. A 68-year-old man presented with a severe head injury after a fall. Coronal view multiplanar reformatted images with contrast medium showed gradual expansion of the pseudoaneurysm of the AcoA and the enhanced area of the cavernous sinus. Five weeks after the injury, the patient had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. A cerebral angiogram showed a fistula between the pseudoaneurysm of the AcoA and the cavernous sinus. The AcoA, left anterior cerebral artery and part of the pseudoaneurysm were obliterated by coil embolization. A postoperative angiogram showed no flow through the pseudoaneurysm and the cavernous sinus fistula. A traumatic AcoA pseudoaneurysm with a cavernous sinus fistula may occur as an extremely rare complication of head injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A left circumflex coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare anomaly. This report describes two young children with progressive left coronary artery dilation due to left CAF demonstrated by serial echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization performed for both children confirmed the presence of a markedly tortuous and dilated left circumflex artery, with the CAF draining directly into the right ventricle. Transcatheter closure of the CAF using the Amplatzer vascular plug was successfully accomplished without any complications. A good outcome was achieved. The echocardiography at the 12- and 18-month follow-up visits showed reversion of the coronary artery to normal size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instruction. We investigated the correlation between atherosclerosis and tissue and serum levels of endothelin-1 in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods. Arterial samples were obtained from 35 patients with CKD during arteriovenous fistula placement. Thirtyone patients with cardiovascular disease who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were selected as the atherosclerotic group, and a piece of their aorta punched during CABG was obtained. Also, a small piece of the renal artery was dissected during donation in 24 kidney donors (control group). Tissue endothelin-1 level was measured and atherosclerosis grading was determined by pathologic examination. Serum levels of endothelin-1 were also measured in the three groups. Results. The mean tissue endothelin-1 levels were 10.73±7.57 pg/mL, 12.16 ± 3.95 pg/mL, and 0.93 ± 1.06 pg/mL in the patients with CKD, those with CABG, and donors, respectively (P < .001). The mean serum endothelin-1 level was 25.23 ± 15.15 pg/mL in the patients with CKD, 21.13 ± 17.22 pg/mL in the patients with CABG, and 2.66 ± 1.51 pg/mL in the donors (P < .001). Atherosclerosis grades correlated with tissue endothelin-1 level (r = 0.823, P < .001) and serum endothelin-1 level (r = 0.608, P < .001) in the patients with CKD. Multiple regression analysis showed tissue endothelin-1 level as the main predicting factor of atherosclerosis (P < .001). Conclusions. Tissue endothelin-1 concentration is more important than serum endothelin-1 or lipids levels in prediction of atherosclerosis. Thus, blockade of tissue endothelin-1 receptors with its antagonists may prevent atherosclerosis progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Coronary artery fistulae are very rare congenital anomalies which constitute 0.2–0.4% of all congenital heart diseases. The right chambers of the heart are the most frequent communication site of the coronary fistulae and may cause hemodynamic impairment in the coronary circulation. The fistulae arise frequently from right coronary and left anterior descending arteries. Fistulae from left circumflex artery are very rare. We report a case in which transcatheter embolization was performed with 3-mm Guglielmi detachable coils in a young adult with a rare type of congenital fistula originating from the circumflex artery and draining into the coronary sinus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The coronary fistula is a rare abnormality making communicate a coronary artery with a cardiac cavity or a great vessel, so bypassing the myocardial capillary network. The majority of these fistulas are congenital but can nevertheless arise after a cardiac surgery. The right coronary artery and the left anterior descending coronary artery are mostly concerned. The circumflex coronary artery is rarely involved. The most frequent site of drainage is the right ventricle. We report the case of a 2-year-old child, brought by his parents for dyspnoea of effort. The diagnosis of coronary fistula was confirmed by the coronary angiography which showed an aneurysmal circumflex artery, draining into the right ventricle. The intervention was led under cardiopulmonary bypass. We proceeded to the longitudinal opening of the aneurysm then to the blindness of the fistula. The postoperative course was simple. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction The occurrence of dural arteriovenous fistulae in children is quite rare. Endovascular embolization is typically the first line treatment. In general, Gamma Knife radiosurgery is used as adjuvant treatment and seldom performed as the first line treatment in children. Discussion We report a case of a 27-month-old girl who presented with an initial dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) located at anterior base of the left middle cranial fossa. She subsequently developed another dural AVF over the left transverse-sigmoid sinus region 2 years later. Conclusion Both fistulae were successfully obliterated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of active bleeding of a secondary aortoenteric fistula (SAEF), in which CT angiography with multi-detector-row CT (MDCT) was finally diagnostic after negative catheter angiography and unsatisfactory endoscopy. The MDCT angiography clearly demonstrated the fistulous tract between the abdominal aortic graft and the duodenum. The dynamic process of bleeding was confirmed as a net increase of contrast agent accumulation in the duodenum through different phases. The MDCT angiography with its excellent 3D image quality is therefore a valuable method in the assessment of active SAEF bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of in-vivo detection of arterio-arterial anastomoses (AAA) in monochorionic (MC) twins and its predictive value for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was assessed in 105 consecutive MC twins scanned at fortnightly intervals. AAA were sought using spectral and colour energy Doppler and ultrasound findings were compared with placental injection studies. AAA were identified in vivo in 59 (56%) pregnancies and at injection study in 68 (65%). The overall sensitivity and specificity was 85 and 97.3% respectively for the detection of AAA. Detection rates were higher at later gestations, with anterior placentae and with larger diameter AAA. The median insonation time to detect an AAA was 10 min (range 1-30). Where an AAA was identified, 15% of pregnancies (nine of 59) developed TTTS compared to 61% (28 of 46) when no AAA was seen (odds ratio 8.6). We conclude that AAA can be detected in vivo with high sensitivity and specificity without undue prolongation of scanning times and have a role in risk stratification in the antenatal assessment of MC twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruptured noncoronary sinus of valsalva aneurysm with fistulous connections to multiple cardiac chambers has not been reported previously. We report a 66-year-old man who presented with worsening cough and exertional dyspnea. Transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed a large aneurysm involving the noncoronary cusp of the aortic sinus with aneurysmal extension to the left atrium. There were also two fistulous communications with the left atrium and one small fistulous connection with the right atrium. Open-heart surgery with aortic root replacement and reimplantation of coronary arteries along with primary closure and repair of aorta to the left atrial fistula was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery fistulas are rare congenital coronary artery abnormalities, with direct communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber, great vessel or other structure. Description of case: We report a case of a large coronary artery fistula connecting the left main coronary artery with the superior vena cava in a 70-year-old patient undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography for a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The patient rejected closure of the fistula and remains asymptomatic on follow-up. Conclusion: Angiographic recognition of coronary artery fistulas is important for the appropriate diagnosis and management of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), abundant in marine organisms, may reduce the development of cardiovascular disease. Because of this, results of laboratory animal and human volunteer feeding trials (using fatty fish, fish oils, or purified n-3 PUFAs) that have examined similar biochemical and metabolic parameters are compared. The limited data reveal that laboratory animal and human volunteers show many similar responses in certain parameters (ie, serum lipids, lipoproteins, trigacylglycerides, cholesterol, etc), to the consumption of n-3 PUFAs. The biochemical and metabolic changes observed are generally consistent with reduced development of cardiovascular disease. However, comparisons between species are limited because relatively few comparable feeding trials have focused on the effects of fish oils on thromboxane, prostacyclin, platelet aggregation, etc. Limitations of the studies and needed research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery fistulas are rare coronary-cardiac anomalies, which occasionally become symptomatic. We herein report a case of a 54-year-old woman with a huge conus branch aneurysm resulting from an abnormal fistula between the conus branch and the upper portion of the right atrium, which was successfully removed by surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital coronary-pulmonary artery fistula is a rare condition and is usually associated with pulmonary atresia. We present a 10-year-old girl with circumflex coronary artery to pulmonary artery (PA) fistula with a giant dilated circumflex coronary artery, ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary atresia, and anomalous originofleft anterior descending (LAD) artery from right coronary sinus. The patient underwent surgical correction. We report the investigation, treatment, and review of literature of this rare congenital anomaly associated with dilated circumflex coronary artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 40-year-old man with an unusual retinal arterioarterial communication in a prepapillary vascular loop.

Abstract: We present an analysis of 3D blood flow in two cases of Sinus of Valsalva to right heart fistulae based on 4D flow MRI. Despite similar underlying pathology, 3D visualization revealed intricate differences in flow patterns connecting the systemic and pulmonary circulation. The cases illustrates the potential of 4D flow MRI to complement the evaluation of complex structural heart disease by assessing complex flow dynamics and providing quantitative information of flow ratios and flow rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aneurysmal circumflex coronary artery fistula connected to the coronary sinus is a rare clinical entity that usually remains asymptomatic until later in life. The timing of surgical treatment for asymptomatic patients is crucial. The decision to leave or exclude the aneurysmatic coronary artery following ligation of the fistula is controversial. Herein, we report the successful management of a coronary fistula between the circumflex artery and the coronary sinus without using cardiopulmonary bypass during the newborn period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital coronary artery fistula complicated with giant coronary artery aneurysm is a very rare condition. In this case report, we present a 65-year-old woman, referred to us with a continuous heart murmur, occasional atypical chest pain and few episodes of fainting. A giant aneurysm and a coronary-pulmonary fistula were diagnosed using multiple cardiovascular imaging modalities to provide a sufficient anatomical picture. The patient was considered at high risk of sudden death from aneurysm rupture and received surgical treatment. Subsequent histopathological examination revealed a true aneurysm with severe wall calcifications, ulcerations and large areas with marked thinning of the wall. The postoperative course was uneventful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortopulmonary artery fistula is uncommon, but the clinical outcome is often lethal. A 76-year-old man with a history of acute thoracic aortic dissection 6 years previously was admitted with dyspnea. A chest x-ray showed pleural effusion and pulmonary congestion. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed preserved systolic function, but continuous and abnormal flow from the distal aortic arch into the pulmonary artery ( PA). Transesophageal echocardiography ( TEE) in the Doppler color-flow mode demonstrated a left-to-right shunt between a large distal aortic arch aneurysm and the left PA via an aortopulmonary fistula and a pressure gradient across the shunt of 56 mmHg. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the aneurysm compressed the PA. Aortography also revealed a large distal aortic arch aneurysm and almost simultaneous contrast enhancement of the aorta and the PA. Right-heart catheterization showed a significant increase in oxygen saturation between the right ventricle and the PA. A left-to-right shunt due to a distal aortic arch aneurysm rupturing into the left PA was diagnosed based on these findings. TEE was very helpful in confirming the presence and precise location of the fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital coronary arterial fistula is a rare cause of congestive heart failure in neonates. We describe a neonate who developed early symptoms because of an unusually large left coronary artery to right ventricular fistula. Computed tomography and coronary angiography delineated anatomy and facilitated successful surgical closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small fistulae between coronary arteries and the pulmonary artery are common, but abnormal vascular communications between the coronary arteries and other cardiac structures are rare. They were first described by Krause in 1865. We report two cases of fistulous connexions between the circumflex coronary artery and the coronary sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor discussing the case of a dural arterioveous fistula at the foramen magnum in a 45-year-old male is presented.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a serious complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies, in which arterioarterial anastomoses allow blood flow from a 'pump' fetus to an acardiac fetus via reversed flow in the latter's umbilical artery. Several trial treatments for TRAP sequence have been reported, but all of these have been invasive. We present a case of TRAP sequence in which high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was applied to the umbilical artery of the anomalous twin at 26 weeks as a non-invasive fetal therapy. The HIFU intensity was set at approximately 2300 W/cm2 with exposure periods of 10 s. Color Doppler ultrasound showed a decrease in blood supply to the anomalous twin, although complete occlusion of the targeted vessel was not achieved. Delivery was by Cesarean section at 29 weeks' gestation and the pump twin survived, without severe clinical complications at 6 months. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of cryptogenic portal hypertension caused by an arterioportal fistula in a 71-year-old female patient with end-stage renal disease, episodes of bleeding from esophageal varices, and hepatoencephalopathy is presented. An an arterioportal fistula was discovered in liver segment 7 and a right liver lobectomy was performed because the fistula was too large to embolize. The article notes computed tomography (CT) and angiography images of the portal vein.

The authors reflect on the argument concerning the safety to preserve the dialysis vascular access after kidney transplantation. They discusses the important complications of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) such as bleeding, venous stenosis, and aneurysmal formation, prompting physicians to face difficult task of advising recipients on the right thing to do pertaining to its access. However, the authors suggest closure of the AVF should be limited to those who definitely meet criteria.

The article focuses on a proposed surgical intervention called thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortoesophageal fistulae (AEF) and aortobronchial fistulae (ABF). It presents findings of a survey on TEVAR results of university and hospital centers in Italy. It suggests that aortic bleeding with TEVAR can be prevented by an AEF and ABF feasible emergency-treatment option.

We describe an extremely rare case of “congenital aorto-pulmonary artery fistulas” combined with bilateral coronary artery fistulas associated with clinically significant left-to-right shunt. A multi-detector row computed tomographic scan revealed that tortuous anomalous vessels arising from the aortic arch, left anterior descending coronary artery, diagonal branch, and right coronary artery were connected to the main pulmonary trunk. After surgical intervention, the systemic-to-pulmonary flow ratio nearly normalized from 2.02 to 1.05. We describe the case and speculate as to the embryological pathogenesis of these unique fistulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a congenital condition characterized by a pathological communication between a coronary artery and a systemic vein or one of the cardiac chambers. Iatrogenic CAFs were reported to develop secondary to the rupture of coronary aneurysm. Instances of acquired CAF draining into the cardiac chambers have been described after acute myocardial infarction. Angiography is the gold standard in diagnosing CAF. We describe the case of a patient who developed a fistula draining into the middle cardiac vein on the posterior interventricular sulcus, after acute myocardial infarction, revealed by CT scan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) presenting as massive hemoptysis is a rapidly fatal process that is extremely difficult to diagnose and manage. ABF following ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is extremely rare. We now report a case of an ABF developing 14 years after ligation of a PDA. (J Card Surg 2011;26:402-404) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Coronary fistulas are one of the most common and major anomaly of the coronary blood flow. They represent aberrant communication between coronary arteries and other cardiac structures and could be congenital or acquired. They can promote cardiovascular disease throughout their own physiopathological mechanisms. Material and methods: We studied 8772 coronarographies made in eight years (2003-2010) in our clinic and the target was to establish the angiographic incidence of the anomaly and to point out some anatomic and clinical features of coronary fistulas. Results: There were found 21 cases of these type of anomaly (incidence of 0,24%), all being congenital. The distribution of affected cardiac structures was almost equal: 48% coronary artery- cardiac chambers, 52 % coronary artery-other vessels, with the prevalence of fistula between LAD-AP (33,3%). The main generated symptoms were angina pectoris and cardiac failure. Conclusions: Coronary fistulas are rare anatomic anomalies, able to promote cardiovascular disease due to their own physiopathological mechanisms that depend on the affected cardiac structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital arteriovenous malformations between the subclavian artery and the superior vena cava (SVC) is a very rare anomaly scantily described in the literature. We describe this anomaly in a 4-month-old infant who presented with congestive heart failure. He was diagnosed to have a right subclavian artery to SVC fistula associated with SVC stenosis .The child successfully underwent device (vascular plug) closure of the fistula and SVC stenting. Six months postprocedure, child is doing well, with complete resolution of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High-flow priapism is a very rare condition in children. The most common cause is perineal trauma, which is a major cause of arterio-cavernosal fistula. A few pediatric patients have high-flow priapism without an obvious cause. There are many therapeutic modalities for this condition, depending on the etiology. We report a case of idiopathic high-flow priapism in a 6-year-old boy who underwent repeated superselective embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure in early infancy is commonly caused by lesions leading to pulmonary over circulation secondary to left-to-right shunt. This case report describes an unusual cause of significant left-to-right shunt in a 2 months old infant presenting with congestive heart failure, which was diagnosed with transthoracic echocardiography. In this infant, transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler color flow mapping allowed direct visualization of a large right coronary artery to right ventricular fistula that was surgically corrected successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary cameral fistulas are unusual congenital or acquired anomalous communications between an epicardial coronary artery and a cardiac chamber. We present such an unusual entity here of a coronary cameral fistula between the left anterior descending artery and the left ventricle that was repaired surgically. Coronary cameral fistula is a rare but surgically curable congenital heart defect. (J Card Surg 2010;25:343-345) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated coronary artery fistula in the newborn is a very rare congenital anomaly. When symptomatic, treatment options include surgical management with ligation and/or patch closure or transcatheter coil embolization. We describe the case of a newborn with symptomatic left coronary-right ventricular fistula, which was managed operatively with off-pump ligation and on-table angiogram for confirmation of fistula obliteration and normal distribution of flow in the coronary artery. We point out the advantages of on-table angiography to evaluate and potentially treat residual structural pathology after cardiac surgery. (J Card Surg 2010;25:228-230) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of coronary artery aneurysm and pulmonary artery fistula is extremely rare and its common cause is atherosclerosis. A 61- year-old woman presented with a giant coronary artery aneurysm with pulmonary artery fistula and intramyocardial calcifications of the left ventricle associated with progressive atherosclerosis due to chronic hemodialysis. The coronary artery aneurysm was resected under cardiopulmonary bypass because of hemodynamic instability due to restrictive cardiac dysfunction. The patient''s restrictive cardiac dysfunction was improved after aneurysm resection. Surgical resection should be considered for giant coronary artery aneurysm with restrictive cardiac dysfunction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aortoenteric fistulae are infrequent causes of gastrointestinal bleeding and usually occur as a late complication of aortic aneurysm repair. Primary aortoenteric fistulae are very rare and most have an aetiological association with atherosclerotic aneurysmal disease. We report a primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) occurring in a 3 year old as a result of duodenal perforation after ingestion of a twig. To our knowledge this is the first case of a primary aortoenteric fistula reported in a child. Emergency aortic surgery in children needs certain considerations which are briefly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a case of complicated urethravesicovaginal fistula of 15 years. A 50 year old woman presented with continous urine leakage after her last delivery 15 years previously and carried out at home. She had a small and contracted bladder with a urethravesicovaginal fistula. We developed a vaginal flap which was constructed as a tube to make a new urethra. The new urethra from vaginal tube was anastomosed to the repaired bladder base and the external urethral meatus. The reconstruction was supported by Martius flap. Simple anatomic repair of complicated fistulas are not promising and should be avoided. Vaginal flaps and labial flaps are useful for reconstructing urethra and bladder base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The tracheo-innominate artery fistula is a rare but life-threatening complication of the tracheotomy. Its care management requires a rapid airway control to allow haemostasis by compression and ventilation. The haemostasis must be immediate and two techniques exist: surgery opencast (sternotomy) or interventional radiology. The choice between the two depends largely on the technical platform available. Our case report describes a tracheo-innomninate artery fistula surgically managed with success. The patient carried an anatomic variant, the two carotids come from innominate artery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• An autopsy case of death from hemoptysis by bronchus-pulmonary artery fistula. • The deceased underwent radiotherapy for lung cancer nineteen years ago. • Histopathology, such as chondronecrosis, was compatible with radiation reaction. • We concluded that the fistula was due to a late complication of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy, one of the standard therapies for lung cancer management, may cause severe late complications. In this case report, we describe the forensic autopsy report of a middle-aged man who died from a massive hemoptysis due to a bronchus-pulmonary artery fistula that developed 19 years after radiotherapy. The man, in his 50 s, suddenly developed hemoptysis at home and collapsed. He was in complete remission with no signs of recurrence. Autopsy revealed massive hemorrhage from the bronchus-pulmonary artery fistula, where radiotherapy had been focused. Histopathological findings showed chondronecrosis of the bronchus, disruption of elastic fibers of the pulmonary artery, and marked thickening of the intima of the small arteries around the fistula, which were compatible with radiation reaction. Neither cancer recurrence nor infection was evident. This case suggests that a late complication of radiotherapy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient who was previously received radiotherapy and presents with massive hemoptysis. In such cases, a detailed history on previous therapies and careful examination of the origin of hemorrhage are necessary to determine the cause of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we describe a successful percutaneous transcatheter n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate embolization of a coronary fistula originating from the left anterior descending artery in an adolescent with unexpected recurrent attacks of myocardial ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in the origin of the internal thoracic arteries has been previously described and reported in the literature; however, there has been no report of an anomalous termination of the right internal thoracic artery into the pulmonary vein persisting and presenting in adult life. We report the case of the right internal thoracic artery originating from the first part of subclavian artery but terminating into the right superior pulmonary vein that presented during the third decade of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with aneurysmal coronary artery fistulas are often a treatment challenge. We hereby, report a case of aneurysmal left main coronary artery to coronary sinus fistula repair, complicated by an early post-operative thrombosis of the left main coronary artery, necessitating an orthotropic heart transplant. Routine use of peri-procedural and long-term anti-coagulation is usually not a standard recommendation in these cases; however, early institution of the same may prevent flow stasis, thrombus formation and unfavorable outcomes pre- or post-operatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is often an isolated specialty with very little research, especially in regard to the mode of access. This lack of information drove this attempt at reviewing the use of arterio-venous fistulas (AVF) in TPE, and specifically the issue of monitoring the accesses patency. Using a Transonic®, we attempted to obtain a reading, using the Spectra Optia™ on a patient's access. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the equipment, we were unable to get a reading. Our conclusion is that we will have to monitor using other approaches, such as physical assessment and ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iliac-urinary fistula is a rare cause of severe hematuria after urinary diversion. Indwelling stents and advanced atherosclerosis may be risk factors. Angiography with embolization is usually resolutive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]