Is a hepatic arteriovenous fistula necessarily caused by liver cancer?

In general, hepatic arteriovenous fistula is not necessarily caused by liver cancer. It may result from liver cancer, but it can also be caused by other factors such as congenital vascular abnormalities of the liver, liver trauma, hepatitis, or intrahepatic bile duct stones. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Congenital Vascular Abnormalities of the Liver

During embryonic development, if liver vessel formation is disrupted, abnormal connections between arteries and veins may occur. This abnormal shunt allows arterial blood to flow directly into the veins, leading to the formation of a hepatic arteriovenous fistula. Patients may undergo surgical treatments such as fistula resection or vascular reconstruction under medical guidance.

2. Liver Trauma

When the liver suffers penetrating injuries or blunt trauma, it may cause rupture or damage to hepatic blood vessels. Such injuries can not only lead to bleeding but also create abnormal connections between previously separate arteries and veins—resulting in a hepatic arteriovenous fistula. Surgical intervention is often required, with common procedures including hepatic artery ligation or partial hepatectomy.

3. Intrahepatic Bile Duct Stones

Intrahepatic bile duct stones refer to the presence of stones within the bile ducts. As these stones move along the bile ducts with body motion, they may induce hepatic arterioportal fistulas. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating. Patients are advised to undergo surgery under medical supervision, such as choledocholithotomy (bile duct incision for stone removal) or hepatectomy.

4. Hepatitis

Hepatitis may also contribute to the development of hepatic arteriovenous fistulas. Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease caused by various pathogenic factors, which may damage the walls of liver blood vessels. Damaged vessel walls may fail to maintain normal blood flow, blurring the boundary between arteries and veins and resulting in fistula formation. Patients may receive hepatoprotective treatment under medical guidance using medications such as inosine tablets, hepatoprotective tablets, or Yigan Shukang capsules.

5. Liver Cancer

Liver cancer can also lead to hepatic arteriovenous fistula formation. As tumor tissue grows, it may invade surrounding blood vessels, causing vessel wall damage or compression. This damage or pressure can create abnormal connections between arteries and veins, ultimately forming a fistula. In such cases, patients should seek treatment at a正规 hospital, typically requiring surgical options such as hepatectomy.

In daily life, patients should take proper measures to stay warm and avoid cold exposure. Adequate rest is important to prevent excessive fatigue. Maintaining a positive mindset, avoiding emotional fluctuations, following a light diet, and refraining from spicy or irritating foods are also recommended.