CASE REPORT Upper-Limb Disarticulation for Life-Threatening High-Flow Arteriovenous Malformation: Report of a Case

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are high-flow lesions having a direct connection between an artery and vein, with bypass of the capillary bed.1 Those affecting the upper limb and causing cardiac decompensation are rare. Treatment of such lesions remains a surgical challenge. Despite multiple procedures, total eradication is often not achieved. For some patients, limb amputation becomes necessary and carries significant risk. We report a case of congenital AVM of the upper limb causing cardiac decompensation. The patient was safely and successfully treated by performing a 2-stage upper-limb amputation.