Mass on the head : Spontaneous arteriovenous fistula of the superficial temporal artery

An arteriovenous fistula of the superficial temporal artery (STA) is a direct and abnormal communication between the STA, feeding artery, and superficial temporal vein, draining veins that bypass the capillary network. Several cases of trauma-induced or iatrogenic-induced arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the STA have been reported ; however, spontaneous AVF of the STA not associated with trauma or medical treatment are extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of spontaneous AVF of the STA diagnosed in old age.