Peripheral Hemodialysis Shunt With Intracranial Venous Congestion

Bilateral Dilated Superior Ophthalmic Veins in a Patient With an Arteriovenous Dialysis Fistula

A 64-year-old man presented with 4 months of diplopia. He had end-stage renal disease requiring a cephalic transposition brachiocephalic fistula that was no longer in use following successful renal transplantation. On presentation, he had bilateral proptosis, extraocular movement restriction, chemosis, tortuous episcleral vessels, and caruncular injection. Non-contrast CT of the orbits demonstrated dilation of both superior ophthalmic veins, and CT angiography showed asymmetric enlargement of both cavernous sinuses and superior ophthalmic veins. A carotid-cavernous fistula was suspected, but cerebral angiography revealed shunting from the old fistula with intracranial drainage and cerebral venous hypertension. Aberrant retrograde drainage resulted from anatomical compression of the left brachiocephalic vein. The fistula was ligated, and at 1-week follow-up, the patient had marked improvement in extraocular movements and orbital congestion with near complete resolution of diplopia. Postoperative CT angiography obtained 2 months later demonstrated decreased size of both superior ophthalmic veins, consistent with improvement of venous hypertension.

Intracranial venous reflux without the central venous occlusive disease in a patient receiving hemodialysis through brachio-brachial arteriovenous fistula: A case report

Background

Upper-limb arteriovenous fistula as a hemodialysis access among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has become a preferred type of vascular access. However, complications involving the central nervous system may occur. There have been no reported cases of internal jugular vein (IJV) regurgitation without central venous occlusive diseases (CVODs).We describe the case of a patient on HD who presented with symptomatic IJV regurgitation without CVODs.

Case Description

An 83-year-old man with ESRD receiving HD through a left upper-limb AVF presented with impaired consciousness and seizures. After recovery from unconsciousness, he became alert with cognitive impairment. The left subclavian arteriography revealed early filling of the left subclavian vein due to the AVF on the left brachium, with retrograde high-flow venous reflux to the left IJV, sigmoid and transverse sinuses, with the left central veins patent. All cerebral venous drainage procedures were dependent on the right IJV. The left internal carotid arteriography showed venous congestion of the left hemisphere. The flow of the left brachial artery was measured extremely high. Under compression of the left brachial artery to reduce the flow, the regurgitation persisted. With the findings that all cerebral venous return were in the right IJV, sacrificing the left IJV was thought to be acceptable. Left IJV ligation was performed, and the patient's cognitive function improved.

Conclusion

The short-term outcome after IJV ligation may be positive in the patient who was confirmed to have a normal cerebral venous return route independent of the refluxed IJV.

Brain arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas with extensive venous congestive encephalopathy

In brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), when too much blood is drained into the venous system, extensive venous congestive encephalopathy (EVCE) can appear. EVCE in BAVMs and DAVFs can be divided into acute and chronic stages. BAVMs and DAVFs have their own classification systems, but EVCE is not considered in these classification systems and needs to be emphasized. EVCE in BAVMs and DAVFs has unique clinical and imaging features. The clinical presentations usually consist of headache, cognitive impairment, and focal deficits. EVCE in BAVMs and DAVFs has several imaging features, and the venous congestion seen on computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography can present with the angiographic features of venous reflux and pseudophlebitic pattern. Digital subtraction angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis. Delayed circulation time is observed. Tortuous, dilated, and engorged veins can be seen. For EVCE from BAVMs and DAVFs, prompt treatment is warranted due to the impairment of extensive brain tissue. Treatments include endovascular treatment (EVT), open surgery, and radiosurgery. EVT is often the primary treatment. Complete elimination in one stage is often difficult. Most of the time, staged treatment has to be chosen. No matter at the acute or chronic stage, aggressive treatment is recommended.

Central Venous Reflux, a Rare Cause of Neurological Manifestations in Hemodialysis Patients: A Case Report and Literature Review

Central venous disease (CVD) is a serious complication in hemodialysis patients. Neurological manifestations are rare. We describe a female with end-stage renal disease with throbbing headache accompanied by paresthesia, weakness, and abnormal posture of her right hand during dialysis sessions. Motor symptoms completely resolved after each dialysis session, although the headaches persisted for several hours. No neurological deficit was evidenced on physical examination. Digital subtraction angiography identified an incomplete thrombosis of the left brachiocephalic vein with retrograde flow in the internal jugular vein, sigmoid sinus, and transverse sinus on the left side. This case illustrates that cerebral venous congestion due to CVD can produce neurological symptoms. Furthermore, we systematically review the literature to identify the characteristics of the cases described so far. This allows clinicians to know the entity and have a high index of suspicion in a hemodialysis patient who develops neurological symptoms.

Venous infarction secondary to congestive encephalopathy from central venous occlusive disease in a chronic hemodialysis patient: A case report

Central venous occlusive disease secondary to chronic hemodialysis catheterization rarely progresses to encephalopathy, cerebral infarction, and/or hemorrhage. A 59-year-old male with 15 years of haemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease presented with acutely altered mental status, extensor rigidity with left hemiparesis and equal, but small and nonreactive pupils. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated infarction and cerebral edema. Cranial angiogram through right brachial artery injection revealed right subclavian vein opacification via a patent AV-fistula and retrograde flow to the right internal jugular vein and superior sagittal sinus secondary to occlusion of the brachiocephalic vein. All cerebral and right upper extremity venous drainage occurred via the contralateral venous outflow tract. Internal carotid artery injections revealed significant venous congestion. Despite successful angioplasty with stenting and resolution of venous flow reversal, the patient failed to recover neurologically. The devastating nature of the presented case emphasizes the need for frequent neurologic evaluation of such patients to avoid catastrophic cerebrovascular injury.

Central Venous Obstruction-Induced Intracranial Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients: An Underrecognized Cause of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

BACKGROUND

Central venous obstruction (stenosis or occlusion) is common in patients with renal failure on hemodialysis and may be associated with intracranial hypertension (IH). Causes include vein injury from an endoluminal device, lumen obstruction from a device or thrombus, external vein compression, and high venous flow leading to vein intimal hyperplasia. A combination of high venous flow and central venous obstruction can lead to intracranial venous hypertension, impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resorption, and subsequent IH.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a search of the English literature using the Ovid MEDLINE Database and PubMed, with a focus on reports involving IH and central venous obstruction in the setting of hemodialysis. We reviewed CSF flow dynamics, the risk factors and causes of central venous obstruction, and the evaluation, management, and outcomes of central venous obstruction-induced IH.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cases of IH related to central venous obstruction in hemodialysis patients were identified. Twenty patients had headaches (83.3%) and 9 had visual symptoms (37.5%). The brachiocephalic vein was the most common site of stenosis or occlusion (20/24, 83.3%). Twenty-one patients (87.5%) had resolution of IH with treatment. Two patients died from complications of IH (8.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Central venous obstruction-induced IH is likely underrecognized by clinicians and mimics idiopathic IH. Hemodialysis patients with IH should be screened with computed tomography venography of the chest. Optimal treatment is with vascular intervention or a CSF diversion procedure and can help prevent vision loss from papilledema or nervous system damage. Medical management may be appropriate in mild cases or as a bridge to definitive interventional treatment. Increased awareness among clinicians has potential to facilitate the timely diagnosis of this treatable condition with potential for good neurologic and visual outcomes.

Intracranial hemorrhage due to central venous occlusion from hemodialysis access: A case report

Central venous stenosis in hemodialysis patients rarely causes venous hypertension and intracranial hemorrhage. A 54 year-old male with right arm arteriovenous fistula was transferred to our institution in a comatose state following right parietal venous infarction. Fistulography showed right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) occlusion with reflux into the right transverse sinus and obstruction of left internal jugular vein outflow due to the styloid process. Balloon venoplasty of the right BCV occlusion failed to improve the patient's status because of the delayed diagnosis. Headaches and neurologic symptoms in hemodialysis patients can herald intracranial hypertension due to central venous occlusion and needs prompt assessment with fistulography.

Reversible Encephalopathy Due to Venous Hypertension From Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Graft

Venous congestive encephalopathy is a rare complication in patients with arteriovenous hemodialysis grafts. It commonly manifests as encephalopathy of fluctuating severity, often with seizures. Because these patients typically have multiple significant chronic health problems, venous hypertension's contribution to the patient's cognitive decline can easily be overlooked. This nonspecific presentation can make diagnosis challenging, therefore delaying treatment. We describe a case of progressive, fluctuating encephalopathy with seizures due to cerebral venous congestion caused by arterial shunting from an upper limb arteriovenous (AV) fistula to the proximal venous system, that was initially unrecognized, yet ultimately reversed by elimination of the source of venous hypertension.

Multiple Sclerosis - A Vascular Etiology?

From the earliest pathological studies the perivenular localization of the demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been observed. It has recently been suggested that obstructions to venous flow or inadequate venous valves in the great veins in the neck, thorax and abdomen can cause damaging backflow into the cerebral and spinal cord circulations. Paolo Zamboni and colleagues have demonstrated abnormal venous circulation in some multiple sclerosis patients using non-invasive sonography and invasive venography. Furthermore, they have obtained apparent clinical improvement or stabilization by endovascular ballooning of points of obstruction in the great veins in some, at least temporarily. If non-invasive observations by others validate their initial observations of a significantly increased prevalence of venous obstructions in MS then trials of angioplasty/stenting would be justified in selected cases in view of the biological plausibility of the concept.

Dynamics of a haemodynamic headache: A case report and literature review of headache secondary to flow inversion of the internal jugular vein

Background

Haemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas have common local and regional complications, but are rarely associated with neurological symptoms.

Case report

A 43-year-old woman presented with short acute episodes of unilateral, non-throbbing, severe headache, vertigo and left lateropulsion. She had undergone renal transplantation and had a still-functioning left brachial arteriovenous fistula. No abnormality was detected on neurological examination or on brain parenchymal imaging. Colour Doppler ultrasonography showed a subclavian steal syndrome of the left vertebral artery and reversed flow in the left internal jugular vein. Ligation of the arteriovenous fistula had to be delayed as a result of renal graft dysfunction. Six months later she developed a headache attributed to intracranial hypertension. All symptoms subsided after ligation of the arteriovenous fistula.

Literature review

We identified 16 case reports of central neurological complications attributed to haemodialysis brachial fistulas. Headache descriptions were scarce and were not fully detailed.

Conclusions

The case of our patient suggests that unilateral, episodic, non-throbbing, non-postural headache with transient neurological symptoms can be caused by combined arterial and venous flow abnormalities secondary to a high-flow arteriovenous brachial fistula. In this setting, this pattern of headache may precede overt signs of intracranial hypertension and may be used as a warning sign of cerebral venous congestion.

Complications of central venous stenosis due to permanent central venous catheters in children on hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheters are frequently used as access for hemodialysis (HD) in children. One of the known complications is central venous stenosis. Although this complication is not rare, it is often asymptomatic and therefore unacknowledged. Superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis is obviously suspected in the presence of upper body edema, but several other signs and symptoms are often unrecognized as being part of this syndrome.

CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT

We describe four patients with various manifestations of central venous stenosis and SVC syndrome. These sometimes life- or organ-threatening conditions include obstructive sleep apnea, unresolving stridor, increased intracranial pressure, increased intraocular pressure, right-sided pleural effusion, protein-losing enteropathy and lymphadenopathy. The temporal relationship of these complications associated with the use of central venous catheters and documentation of venous stenosis, together with their resolution after alleviation of high venous pressure, points to a causal role. We suggest pathophysiological mechanisms for the formation of each of these complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with occlusion of the SVC, various unexpected clinical entities can be caused by high central venous pressure. As often the etiology is not obvious, a high index of suspicion is needed as in some cases prompt alleviation of the high pressure is mandatory.

Neurological sequelae from brachiocephalic vein stenosis

Stenosis of central veins (brachiocephalic vein [BCV] and superior vena cava) occurs in 30% of hemodialysis patients, rarely producing intracranial pathology. The authors present the first cases of BCV stenosis causing perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage and myoclonic epilepsy.

In the first case, a 73-year-old man on hemodialysis presented with headache and blurry vision, and was admitted with presumed idiopathic intracranial hypertension after negative CT studies and confirmatory lumbar puncture. The patient mildly improved until hospital Day 3, when he experienced a seizure; emergency CT scans showed perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography failed to find any vascular abnormality, but demonstrated venous congestion. A fistulogram found left BCV occlusion with jugular reflux. The occlusion could not be reopened percutaneously and required open fistula ligation. Postoperatively, symptoms resolved and the patient remained intact at 7-month follow-up.

In the second case, a 67-year-old woman on hemodialysis presented with right arm weakness and myoclonic jerks. Admission MRI revealed subcortical edema and a possible dural arteriovenous fistula. Cerebral angiography showed venous engorgement, but no vascular malformation. A fistulogram found left BCV stenosis with jugular reflux, which was immediately reversed with angioplasty and stent placement. Postprocedure the patient was seizure free, and her strength improved. Seven months later the patient presented in myoclonic status epilepticus, and a fistulogram revealed stent occlusion. Angioplasty successfully reopened the stent and she returned to baseline; she was seizure free at 4-month follow-up.

Central venous stenosis is common with hemodialysis, but rarely presents with neurological findings. Prompt recognition and endovascular intervention can restore normal venous drainage and resolve symptoms.

Intravascular ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency

Multiple imaging modalities have been used for the evaluation of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). These include Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance venography, computed tomographic venography, and catheter venography. Although each of these tests is considered to contribute valuable information to the evaluation, each modality has deficiencies, which can impact treatment. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has a role in this evaluation owing to its ability to accurately assess vessel circumference and cross-sectional area in real time. This can aid in identifying significant stenoses and optimizing balloon sizing during angioplasty. In addition, intraluminal abnormalities that may be difficult to see with venography can be identified with IVUS, which can further determine when angioplasty for CCSVI is indicated. Finally, IVUS can identify potential complications of angioplasty, including dissection and thrombus formation, allowing for rapid treatment. As a result, IVUS is an important part of an evaluation for CCSVI and, when available, should be used to identify patients who may benefit from endovascular treatment.

Reversed internal jugular vein flow as a sign of brachiocephalic vein obstruction

The value of colour Doppler sonography is well known in the assessment of venous disease, including obstruction/occlusion from thrombosis. Central venous disease, however, can be more difficult to directly assess than disease in peripheral veins. Accordingly, there is significant value not only in the direct signs of venous disease, but also in the indirect signs. We report a case of reversed internal jugular vein flow in a patient with left arm swelling as a sign of brachiocephalic vein obstruction.

Neurologic and ophthalmologic complications of vascular access in a hemodialysis patient

Patients on long-term hemodialysis undergo multiple interventions, including insertion of central catheters and arteriovenous anastomoses for creation of vascular access. The need for high-flow vessels to maintain hemodialysis efficiency leads to wear on the central veins and consequent stenosis and occlusion. In addition to local signs of impaired venous drainage, abnormal venous flow patterns involving the upper chest, face, and central nervous system might develop. We describe the first pediatric case of devastating intracranial hypertension presenting with visual loss in the eye contralateral to a high-flow vascular access in a patient on long-term hemodialysis. The literature on this rare complication of hemodialysis is reviewed.

Prevalence of optic nerve edema in patients on peripheral hemodialysis

PURPOSE

Cerebral venous hypertension with optic nerve edema has been reported in patients with peripheral arteriovenous hemodialysis shunts. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of optic nerve edema in patients with peripheral arteriovenous accesses and to evaluate the value of ophthalmic examination and surveillance in this study population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observation case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-four patients with peripheral arteriovenous shunts for hemodialysis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observation was done of all patients with peripheral arteriovenous shunts presenting to our outpatient hemodialysis unit on 2 consecutive days. Using indirect ophthalmoscopy, the presence or absence of optic nerve edema was recorded. Patients also were asked to record any symptoms suggestive of intracranial hypertension and/or papilledema such as headache, decreased visual acuity, or an abnormal visual phenomenon. The 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the prevalence of optic nerve edema in patients with peripheral arteriovenous accesses. A literature search also was conducted to obtain prior reports of optic nerve edema and ophthalmic complications in patients with peripheral arteriovenous accesses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Presence or absence of optic nerve edema.

RESULTS

Among our series of 44 patients with peripheral arteriovenous shunts for hemodialysis, no case of optic nerve edema was observed and no patient reported any headache, decrease in vision, or visual phenomenon. The 95% CI for the estimated prevalence of optic nerve edema was 0% to 8.0%. A literature review revealed 7 reports of symptomatic ophthalmic complications in patients with peripheral arteriovenous accesses.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cases of papilledema in patients with peripheral arteriovenous shunts have been reported in the literature, the occurrence appears to be low, and routine ophthalmic surveillance is probably unnecessary in asymptomatic patients.

Visualization of venous systems by time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Time-of-flight (TOF) imaging technique depicts strong signal from fresh unsaturated magnetization that moves fast into the imaging region, and TOF magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) visualizes the arterial system using saturation pulse and band. However, TOF MRA can visualize the venous system when the flow direction is reversed.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

We consecutively enrolled patients between June 2002 and February 2003 with an internal jugular vein (IJV) and sigmoid sinus (SS) visualized by TOF MRA. Carotid Duplex ultrasonography was performed on all patients to check IJV flow directions. Gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRA and conventional digital subtraction angiography were performed in selected patients.

RESULTS

The IJVs and SSs of eight patients (left = 7, right = 1) were observed by TOF MRA. In these 8 patients, Duplex ultrasonography confirmed a reversed direction in IJVs. Four of the patients underwent Gd-enhanced MRA, which showed proximal innominate vein steno-occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first description of IJV and SS visualization by TOF MRA. Clinical implications are discussed.