Radiological diagnosis of dialysis-associated complications

Imaging and leaks in peritoneal dialysis

Dialysate leaks are non-rare mechanical but dreaded complications in peritoneal dialysis (PD). They usually occur at the beginning of PD, with various clinical events depending on their location. Use of imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) peritoneography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) peritoneography, or scintigraphic peritoneography, can confirm the diagnosis and guide surgical intervention if needed. These simple, non-invasive, and accessible tests can be done in collaboration between the radiological et peritoneal teams. Depending on the leakage site, PD can be pursued with small volumes with a cycler. In other cases, it must be interrupted and the patient transferred to hemodialysis, in order to permit the peritoneal cavity to regain its integrity by cicatrization or with surgical intervention. Imaging can help to make sure peritoneal cavity has regained its integrity after this period of transition. Early leaks can be avoided by delaying PD start with by 14 days. Intraperitoneal pressure does not seem to contribute significantly. Prevention of PD leaks essentially depends on individual risk factors such as obesity or anterior abdominal surgeries. This article reviews the characteristics of dialysate leaks in PD and the imagery tests to limit transfer to hemodialysis.

Imaging of haemodialysis: renal and extrarenal findings

Electrolyte alterations and extra-renal disorders are quite frequent in patients undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The native kidneys may be the site of important pathologies in patients undergoing dialysis, especially in the form of acquired renal cystic disease with frequent malignant transformation. Renal neoplasms represents an important complication of haemodialysis-associated acquired cystic kidney disease and imaging surveillance is suggested. Extra-renal complications include renal osteodistrophy, brown tumours, and thoracic and cardiovascular complications. Other important fields in which imaging techniques may provide important informations are arteriovenous fistula and graft complications.

Teaching points

• Renal neoplasms represent a dreaded complication of haemodialysis.

• In renal osteodystrophy bone resorption typically manifests along the middle phalanges.

• Brown tumours are well-defined lytic lesions radiographically, possibly causing bone expansion.

• Vascular calcifications are very common in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

• Principal complications of the AV fistula consist of thrombosis, aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.