Arteriovenous Fistula: A Rare Complication of Peripheral Venous Cannulation and an Example of the Importance of Clinical Examination

Arteriovenous fistula is a rare complication of peripheral venous cannulation. We report a case of a 79-year-old male who presented with a subcutaneous swelling on the anterio-lateral aspect of his right forearm. The ‘lump’ developed at the same site as the insertion of a previous peripheral venous cannula. Careful clinical examination and later radiological confirmation diagnosed an arteriovenous fistula. The patient was referred to a vascular surgeon for advice regarding further management. This case demonstrates the importance of clinical examination for the accurate diagnosis of ‘Lumps and Bumps’ prior to surgical treatment.