Diagnosis and management of trauma and iatrogenic induced arteriovenous fistulas in the neck.

Trauma-induced arteriovenous (av) communications in the cervical region involving the external carotid artery and the jugular vein are exceptionally rare. Moreover, an iatrogenic av fistula between the vertebral artery and the vein after insertion of a venous catheter into the internal jugular vein is described. The discussion includes the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of such rare av fistulas.