[Congenital arteriovenous fistula between the subclavian artery and vein. (Discussion of a surgically treated case) (author's transl)].

The Authors report a case of a congenital arteriovenous fistula between the subclavian artery and vein in a 42 years-old woman. The clinical examinations are discussed for the exact classification and the topographic localisation. The surgical treatment (extirpation of the fistula) is necessary especially because arteriovenous fistulas have a tendency to progress, which may lead to severe cardiac insufficiency, aneurismatic dilatations and risks of endocarditis.