Vertebrojugular Arteriovenous Fistula Following Failed Central Venous Catheter Insertion: A Rare Case

Vertebrojugular arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare vascular anomalies characterized by an abnormal communication between the extracranial vertebral artery and the internal jugular vein. They may arise from trauma, iatrogenic injury, or, rarely, occur spontaneously. We present a 50-year-old male who sustained an iatrogenic injury and developed progressive pulsatile swelling on the right side of the neck, which raised suspicion of an underlying vascular lesion. Subsequent carotid Doppler, MRI with non-contrast angiography, and digital subtraction angiography revealed a vertebrojugular AVF. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for AVFs in failed central catheter insertions and highlights the effectiveness of early diagnosis in improving patient outcomes.