Iatrogenic Radial Arteriovenous Fistula Secondary to Transradial Coronary Angiography: A Case Report

Abstract

Transradial access is the commonly followed route for performing percutaneous coronary diagnostic and angioplasty interventions. Transradial access has drastically decreased the vascular access site complications when compared with the transfemoral access. Arteriovenous fistula developing at the transradial access site is one of the rare complications. The risk factors and the mechanism of development are not entirely known. We present a rare case of a 63-year-old female developing radiocephalic fistula a few days after transradial coronary angiography and discuss management.The transradial route is preferred for cardiovascular interventions. Complications arising out of this are rare even though this route is widely used. Arteriovenous fistula is one of the rare complications, and the mechanisms causing it are not always clearly evident. This report will elaborate on the possible causes and steps to prevent this complication and help in managing once it occurs.