Improved Visualization of Carotid-Jugular Arteriovenous Fistula by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

Introduction

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is frequently performed for patient management, hemodialysis access and interventional radiological procedures with the internal jugular vein being commonly selected for access. CVC complications have been reported in only a few reports on carotid–jugular arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation and none has focused on sonographic findings (Sznajder JI et al., Arch Intern Med 1986; 146: 259 – 261). We report an AVF between the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein following an attempt to perform jugular catheter insertion guided by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).