The Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula

1.The classical findings of pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae are described.2.The hereditary nature of the disease is emphasized.3.The importance of the lesion in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary roentgen opacities is discussed and supplementary fluoroscopic and angiocardiographic studies are suggested.4.In patients presenting with unexplained bleeding, cutaneous telangiectasia, or central nervous system complaints, the possibility of a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula should be considered.5.The therapy of choice is surgical excision of the lesion, especially when the physiologic defect is severe.