Macrovascular arteriovenous shunts (MAS): A newly identified structure in the abdominal wall with implications for thermoregulation and free tissue transfer

Abstract

Microscopic arteriovenous anastomoses are known structures that have many clinical implications, with disease states such as Reynaud's phenomenon and erythromelalgia known consequences of their abnormal functioning. These pre-capillary arteriovenous communications result in increased regional blood flow at the time of capillary filling. Recent advances in imaging technology, providing physiological and anatomical data, have identified a previously undescribed anatomical structure, that of large-vessel (macroscopic) arteriovenous communications, with profoundly different implications. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the abdominal wall vasculature was undertaken in 140 patients prior..