arteriovenózus

An arteriovenous (AV) connection refers to a direct link between an artery and a vein, bypassing the typical capillary network where gas exchange normally occurs. These connections are rare in healthy individuals but can occur naturally in certain physiological contexts or develop as a result of pathological conditions.

In healthy individuals, arteriovenous shunts are found in specific tissues such as the skin, where they help regulate body temperature by diverting blood flow away from deeper vessels. These shunts allow warm arterial blood to bypass capillaries and mix with cooler venous blood, facilitating heat dissipation. Similar mechanisms exist in other organs, such as the liver and spleen, where AV shunts help maintain homeostasis.

Pathological arteriovenous connections, often called arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), occur when abnormal vessels form between arteries and veins. These can result from trauma, congenital defects, infections, or inflammatory processes. AVFs may develop intentionally in medical procedures, such as for hemodialysis access, where a surgical connection is created between an artery and a vein to facilitate blood flow through an artificial filter.

Symptoms of abnormal AV connections can include swelling, warmth, or a visible pulsating mass due to increased blood flow. Severe cases may lead to complications such as heart failure, as the heart must work harder to pump blood through the abnormal pathways. Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, while treatment may include surgical repair, embolization, or medication to manage symptoms.

Arteriovenous connections play a critical role in normal physiology but can become clinically significant when dysfunctional, requiring careful evaluation and intervention.