Definition: It is an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein (or veins). It may be 1) a congenital malformation, 2) acquired by the trauma of a penetrating wound, 3) iatrogenic in which AVFs are created surgically in the arms or legs of patients undergoing renal dialysis. All arteriovenous communications have a structural and a physiological effect. Structural effect: The veins become dilated, tortuous and thick walled (arterialised). Physiological effect: There is high-pressure from the arterial system and an enhanced venous return/venous pressure. This results in an increase in pulse rate and cardiac output. The pulse pressure is high if there is a large and persistent shunt. Left ventricular enlargement and later cardiac failure may occur. A congenital fistula in the young may cause overgrowth of a limb. In the leg, indolent ulcers may result from relative ischaemia below the short circuit. Clinical features: Clinically, a pulsatile swelling or dilated to