TRAUMATIC ARTERIOVENOUS-FISTULA - A COMPLICATION OF AMNIOCENTESIS

Fetal injury is a potential complication of amniocentesis. We report the case of an infant who had an isolated arteriovenous fistula between the popliteal artery and vein that resulted from amniocentesis. Unlike the usual congenital arteriovenous communications that are multiple and difficult to treat, this case was completely cured by division of the fistula and vascular repair. This case emphasizes that newborns and infants who have had invasive prenatal interventions such as amniocentesis should be identified and the possibility of fetal injury be considered when evaluating their clinical signs and symptoms. © 1992 W.B. Saunders Company. All right reserved.