Iatrogenic AVF is a rare complication of breast procedures. We present a case report of a 34 yr old woman who developed AVF following core biopsy. We also conducted a literature review of previous studies on AVF in breast patients.

A 34-year-old attended a one-stop clinic for assessment of a left breast mass which was biopsied and confirmed to be cyst. At the time of the biopsy, she had excessive bleeding and developed a haematoma. She represented subsequently after hearing an unusual noise from her left breast. A palpable pulsatile mass was found on examination. MRI and CT angiogram confirmed an 11mm iatrogenic AVF.

Six case reports of AVF in the breast were found. AVF secondary to biopsy in the breast was most commonly
found between the lateral thoracic artery and perforators to the homologous vein. It was mostly investigated with CT angiogram and treated with surgical tie of the feeding perforator vessel.

AVF remains a rare and therefore often unexpected complication of biopsy. It is important to be aware of
this, especially when a biopsy is performed on the lateral side of the breast and the patient develops a
haematoma.