High-output congestive failure due to arteriovenous fistula resulting from lumbar disc surgery--a case report.

A patient is described who developed high-output congestive failure following surgery to a lumbar disc. Diagnosis of arteriovenous fistula was suggested by the signs of high-output state and a continuous bruit heard over the low back scar. Confirmation was demonstrated by abdominal aortography. Corrective surgery resulted in resolution of congestive failure.