A Case of Iatrogenic Ilio-iliac Arteriovenous Fistula Initially Mistaken for Deep Venous Thrombosis

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and associated complications cause significant morbidity and mortality in orthopedic surgery. Typical DVT symptoms, such as swelling, pain and discoloration in the affected extremities are often unreliable for diagnosis. Here we report a rare case of iatrogenic ilio-iliac arteriovenous fistula (AVF) due to lumbar discectomy, which was initially misdiagnosed as DVT, resulting in unnecessary implantation of a permanent inferior vena cava filter. Endovascular treatment is an attractive treatment option for such an AVF. We recommend a thorough physical and ultrasonography for patients presenting with DVT-like symptoms, especially following lumbar spinal surgery, to prevent overlooking underlying AVF.