fistula
(noun)
An abnormal connection or passageway between organs or vessels that normally do not connect.
Examples of fistula in the following topics:
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Anastomoses
- Pathological anastomoses result from trauma or disease and are usually referred to as fistulae.
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Heart Failure
- This can occur from severe anemia, Gram negative septicaemia, beriberi (vitamin B1/thiamine deficiency), thyrotoxicosis, Paget's disease (a bone disease that puts strain upon the heart), arteriovenous fistulae, or arteriovenous malformations.
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Congenital Heart Defects
- Defects in any of these structures are associated with an increased incidence of other symptoms, together referred to as VACTERL association: V - Vertebral anomalies, A - Anal atresia, C - Cardiovascular anomalies, T - Tracheoesophageal fistula, E - Esophageal atresia, R - Renal (Kidney) and/or radial anomalies, L - Limb defects.