Two-dimensional contrast echocardiography in pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.

Definitive clinical diagnosis of congenital pulmonary arteriovenous fistula is extremely difficult. In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of echocardiography, 2 cases with suspected pulmonary arteriovenous fistula were studied. In the first case, there was a solitary pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, while in the second multiple minute pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas were illustrated. The solitary lesion was demonstrated by two-dimensional and peripheral vein contrast echocardiography. However, in the second case direct visualization of the lesion was not possible but peripheral vein contrast echocardiography showed abnormal filling of the left atrium with echo contrast material.