Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula Following Routine Venipuncture in an Adult Without Coagulopathy: An Uncommon Consequence of a Common Procedure

BACKGROUND: According to Tonnessen BH (2011),(1) iatrogenic arteriovenous (AV) fistulas in adults most commonly occur due to endovascular access and procedures. Rarely, AV fistulas have been reported in low birth weight neonates following repeating venipuncture. This complication is extremely uncommon in adults, but has been reported after routine venipuncture for blood transfusion. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an elderly female patient who presented to the office for evaluation of left upper extremity swelling, ecchymosis, and dilated vessels after routine venipuncture at an outpatient laboratory. She was subsequently found to have an acquired AV fistula from her left cephalic vein to a small branch artery. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the rare but relevant risk in routine venipuncture and may underscore the benefit of using ultrasound guidance in high-risk populations, such as patients with coagulopathies, or thin, fragile veins, like the elderly or neonates.