Lower-Extremity Arteriovenous Malformation Masquerading as Peripheral Artery Disease

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) refers to an anomalous, direct connection between artery and a vein. Typically, these two vessels are interposed by high-resistance capillary beds, the absence of which results in high-flow system from into Venous vessel walls not designed handle such high-pressure blood flow, their wall structure becomes permanently altered weakened. For this reason, AVMs at increased risk for hemorrhages ruptures. present with spectrum symptoms, ranging skin discoloration, ischemia distal tissues, heart failure shunting. Here, we case patient who underwent amputation his second left toe, initially thought be result peripheral arterial disease (PAD) due extensive smoking history. Further imaging findings revealed rare lower-extremity AVM as source ischemia, PAD. Ultimately, treatment vascular anomaly resolution patient’s symptoms were achieved via transarterial embolization. This emphasizes importance looking beyond PAD cause provides insights uncommon often missed diagnosis extracranial AVMs.