Renal-inferior vena cava fistula complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy causing heart failure repaired endovascularly, a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Renal-caval Arterio-venous fistulas are rare entity which can be acquired, idiopathic or congenital. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy complicated by arteriovenous fistula formation is extremely rare and often go unnoticed. High output heart failure can occur as a consequence of such high flow fistulas. Repair can be done through open or endovascular approach with the latter being effective and less invasive. Repair can result in resolution of symptoms and improvement of heart function. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 43-year old female who developed an iatrogenic renal-caval fistula following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, that was complicated by intraoperative bleeding. She presented with worsening high output cardiac failure a year post-operative. Due to past history of Cor-triatriatum surgical repair -a congenital heart disease-, the diagnosis of renal arteriovenous fistula remained insidious. The fistula was diagnosed during cardiac catheterization in an attempt to diagnose her rapidly decompensating heart failure, and repaired successfully by endovascular repair. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, there are only a few reports in literature describing iatrogenic renal artery-caval fistulas in association with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Such high flow fistulas can result in a significant, potentially life threatening physiologic impairment. The case was managed by endovascular approach resulting in return to baseline cardiac function and resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Renocaval arteriovenous fistulas are extremely rare to complicate laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It might go unnoticed, but may present with decompensated heart failure. It can be reversed by early recognition of symptoms, and diagnosis. High index of suspicion is a key, and endovascular modality is excellent treatment approach.