Localized superficial femoral vein thrombosis coupled with iatrogenic arteriovenous fistulas presenting as pulmonary emboli.

INTRODUCTION: 'Localized' femoral vein thrombosis (FVT) is a relatively rare condition usually associated with traumas, external compression or iatrogenic etiologies and the consequence can be pulmonary embolism. REPORT: This is the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with pulmonary emboli secondary to 'localized' superficial FVT, coupled with post-puncture arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), two days after trans-femoral vein radio-frequency cardiac ablation. After placing a temporary IVC-filter, the AVFs were sutured directly while the residual FVT was treated conservatively. DISCUSSION: Close local monitoring and adequate medical and surgical management are mandatory to avoid possible dangerous complications, also in apparently 'low-risk' iatrogenic AVFs.