Popliteal arteriovenous fistula due to a gunshot injury

Abstract

We report the case of a 22-year-old man who presented with a popliteal arteriovenous fistula after a gunshot injury to his right knee. The diagnosis, made in the Emergency Department, was confirmed by arteriography, allowing quick therapeutic intervention. The lesions to the popliteal artery and vein were repaired with a double venous bypass, followed by relieving fasciotomy. Satisfactory clinical results were achieved after 2 months and magnetic resonance imaging revealed normal permeability of the vascular axes. Three years after his operation, our patient has normal function of his knee. The physiopathology, diagnostic difficulties, and management of this type of lesion are discussed with a review of the literature.