Superior Mesenteric Arteriovenous Fistula: an Unusual Cause of Ascites

Superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistulae are rare. They are usually associated with previous penetrating abdominal trauma or surgery. Patients may present with ascites or gastrointestinal bleeding. This report is of a patient with postoperative refractory ascites. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and digital subtraction angiogram showed a communication between the superior mesenteric artery and the dilated superior mesenteric vein. A superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula can be treated with either surgical ligation or endovascular embolisation, with the latter successfully performed for this patient.