Arteriovenous fistula in the lung presenting with brain abscess: A report of two cases and a review of the literature

Two cases of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the lung presenting with brain abscess are reported. A 47-year-old male developed multiple brain abscesses. Diffusion weighted images (DWI) revealed strong high signal intensity. CT of the chest demonstrated an AVF in the lung. The brain abscesses were successfully treated with antibiotic therapy, and the AVF was resected. A 62-year-old female with asymptomatic AVF in the lung developed a brain abscess in the right temporal lobe, showing a strong high intensity on DWI. Since she presented with left hemiparesis 7 days after admission, the abscess was excised, and the AVF was embolized. Because even small and clinically silent AVF in the lungs may cause a brain abscess, we should perform a close examination of the lungs. Treatment of AVFs in the lungs is necessary to prevent the recurrence of a brain abscesses.