Giant 20 × 35 cm brachial artery pseudoaneurysm after fistulogram treated with surgical resection of pseudoaneurysm and patch angioplasty of brachial artery

Brachial artery pseudoaneurysms are a rare entity, which can occur secondary to infectious, traumatic, or iatrogenic causes. We present a 78-year-old female with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis via a right brachio-basilic arteriovenous fistula. She had previously undergone numerous fistulograms and endovascular interventions for right upper extremity swelling due to prolonged bleeding following dialysis. After a recent fistulogram she developed recurrent arm swelling. Duplex showed a large hematoma without any evidence of vascular flow. However, intraoperatively, she was noted to have a giant 20 × 35 cm pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery. Therapeutic options include endovascular stenting, embolization, thrombin injection, ultrasound-guided compression, and surgery. We elected to perform resection of the large pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula ligation due to the large size. Given her end-stage renal disease status and lacking quality autogenous vein, we were able to perform a patch angioplasty repair of her brachial artery without requiring a bypass.

Early access flow rate predicts vascular access patency-related intervention in the first year: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Arteriovenous fistulas and grafts are lifelines for most hemodialysis patients, and a low access flow rate often requires patency-related intervention, such as angioplasty or thrombectomy, to prevent access failure. We examined whether early access flow rate, measured after initial fistula/graft cannulation, predicts vascular access patency-related intervention within 1 year.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Among 172 patients undergoing surgical creation of a fistula/graft, 52 (30.2%) had documented access flow rates measurement by the Transonic™ ultrasound dilution technique, performed within an average of 48 days from initial access cannulation. The need for a patency-related intervention, defined as undergoing a fistulogram, angioplasty, thrombectomy, or surgical revision, was ascertained within 1 year. A receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) was generated to evaluate the diagnostic performance of first and average access flow rates for predicting patency-related intervention within 1 year.

FINDINGS

Twenty-eight (53.8%) of the 52 study subjects required a patency-related intervention within 1 year. Their characteristics were not significantly different from those who did not require patency-related interventions. However, first access flow rates were significantly lower in patients requiring patency-related intervention compared to those who did not (898 vs. 1471 mL/min; p = 0.003), as were average access flow rates (841 vs. 1506 mL/min; p < 0.001). The ROC analyses revealed that first access flow rates and average access flow rates predicted the need for patency-related intervention within 1 year, with an area under-the-ROC curve of 0.743 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.608, 0.877) and 0.775 (95% CI 0.648, 0.903), respectively, demonstrating acceptable discrimination.

DISCUSSION

In adults undergoing hemodialysis, early access flow rate measurement can predict patency-related intervention within 1 year after initial vascular access cannulation. Additional studies are required to confirm these findings and identify optimal access flow rate cut-off values to predict vascular accesses at higher risk of stenosis.

An unusual spontaneous recanalization by multiple palmar arteriovenous connections of a chronically occluded radiocephalic hemodialysis fistula

Preservation of a vascular access is crucial in the management of hemodialysis patients. In this regard, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is an effective tool if performed after an adequate understanding of preliminary fistulograms. The present case showed a chronic dysfunction of a radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) due to arterial occlusion and partially relieved by the spontaneous development of multiple small arteriovenous connections in the palmar region of the hand. This dense network had been so far able to ensure a sufficient retrograde blood flow for an effective hemodialytic performance. The angioplasty of the post-anastomotic stenotic segment of the radial artery was effective in restoring this neoformed AVF patency.

Development of open-source software for free-hand 3D vascular ultrasound: Dialysis fistula application

BACKGROUND

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for End Stage Renal Disease, having superior patency and lower infection risks than prosthetic graft and catheter access. When AVF dysfunction or delayed maturation does occur, the gold standard for diagnosis is the fistula angiogram (a.k.a. fistulogram). 3D ultrasound is available for obstetrical and other specialized uses, but it is cost prohibitive and has a field of view that is too small to cover the region of interest for the dialysis fistula application. We sought to develop a point of care 3D solution using freehand 2D ultrasound data acquisition.

METHODS

We developed open-source software for 3D image reconstruction and projection of an angiogram-like image of the vascular access using a 2D freehand ultrasound scanner. We evaluated this software by comparing the ultrasound "sono-angiogram" images to fistulogram images in five subjects, using visual inspection and by applying the Percent of Exact Match (PEM) as a statistic test.

RESULTS

The sono-angiograms showed identifiable characteristics that matched the fistulogram results in all five subjects. The PEM ranged between 42.8% and 77.0%, with Doppler and grayscale ultrasound data, showing complementary advantages and disadvantages when used for sono-angiogram image construction. Motion from freehand ultrasound acquisition was a significant source of mismatch. 3D image generation is a potential advantage with ultrasound data.

CONCLUSIONS

While further work is needed to improve the accuracy with free hand scanning, fistulogram-like "sono-angiograms" can be generated using point of care 2D ultrasound. Methods such as these may be able to assist in point-of-care diagnosis in the future. The software is open-source, and importantly, the ultrasound data used are non-proprietary and available from any standard ultrasound machine. The simplicity and accessibility of this approach warrant further study.

Assessing the Inflow Segment of a Hemodialysis Access: The Fogarty Balloon Occlusion Technique

Dialysis access maintenance often requires a fistulogram or shuntogram of arteriovenous access. Assessment of the arterial inflow segment and arterial anastomosis is often a critical portion of the procedure. Retrograde occlusive angiography (ROA) is often used to properly assess the inflow. Manual compression using finger compression or a hemostat is often described in the literature. The Fogarty balloon occlusion technique using a 4-Fr Fogarty catheter balloon (Henry Shein) is a simple and cost-effective method that preserves image quality and decreases radiation exposure in retrograde occlusive angiography.

Comparison of clinical examination, doppler and fistulogram for arterio-venous fistula surveillance in detecting secondary failure

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) surveillance is required to detect early dysfunction (thrombosis, stenosis) and its timely correction prolongs access-patency. Clinical examination (CE) and doppler have been used as screening/surveillance of AVF, for early detection of AVF dysfunction. Since there was inadequate evidence for KDOQI to make recommendations on AVF surveillance and on secondary failure rate. We compared CE, doppler and fistulogram as surveillance modalities in detecting a secondary failure in matured AVF.

METHODOLOGY

This prospective-observational, single-center study, was done between December 2019-April 2021. CKD stage 5 patients on dialysis/Not-on-dialysis with matured AVF were included at third month. CE, doppler (blood flow, vein diameter, depth), and fistulogram were done at third and sixth month. Secondary failure was assessed at sixth month classifying AVF to patent/functional and failed group. Diagnostic tests were performed by comparing three methods considering fistulogram as gold-standard. Residual urine output is also monitored to look for any contrast induced residual renal function loss.

RESULTS

Of total 407 created AVF, 98 (24%) had primary failure. Twenty-five (6%) had surgical complications including unsuccessful AVF and aneurysm/rupture, 156 lost follow-up at third month, 104 consented patients were enrolled, 16 lost to follow-up subsequently, and 88 patients' data were analyzed at the end. At the sixth month, 76(86.4%) had patent AVF, 8 (9.1%) had secondary failure (Thrombosis-4, Central Venous Stenosis-4), and 4 (4.1%) patients expired. Considering fistulogram as a diagnostic standard, CE showed 87.5% sensitivity, and 93.4% specificity (cohen's kappa value of 0.66). Doppler had sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 96% respectively (cohen's kappa value of 0.75), Combination of clinical examination with doppler showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 89% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although the secondary AVF failure rate is less than the primary, CE is an important and valuable tool in the diagnosis and surveillance of AVF in detecting its dysfunction. Moreover, CE with doppler can be used as a surveillance protocol that can detect early AVF dysfunction at par with Fistulogram.

Initiation of hemodialysis at one month following fistulogram in patients with advanced kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have demonstrated that low contrast volume used in access-related interventions had limited effects on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after fistulography, but studies are limited and heterogeneous. We sought to evaluate the rate of and factors associated with progression to dialysis (HD) within 1 month after fistulography for patients with advanced CKD.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective cohort analysis of patients with CKD stage IV and V, not yet on HD, undergoing fistulography from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 was performed. The primary outcome was progression to HD within 1 month. Additional variables and the association with the primary outcome such as medical comorbidities, contrast type or volume were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients underwent 41 fistulograms prior to HD initiation. Progression to HD within 1 month of fistulogram occurred in seven patients (all CKD V). The mean time between fistulogram and HD was 271 days for 31 of 34 patients who ultimately progressed to HD. Those with CKD IV began HD in 549 days on average, while those with CKD V began HD in 190 days on average. Three patients had not initiated HD at a mean of 539 days of follow-up. The only factors associated with progression to HD within 1 month included use of isovue (p = .005) and elevated contrast volume, with a mean of 40 mL (p = .027).

CONCLUSION

Although none of the patients with CKD IV required HD within 1 month after fistulogram, the use of larger iodinated contrast volume was associated with progression to HD within 1 month of fistulography for patients with CKD V. Further studies should investigate the safety of iodinated and alternative (e.g., carbon dioxide) contrast media in fistulography or duplex-based HD access procedures for CKD patients, especially CKD V, not yet on HD.

Contemporary Strategies to Promote Dialysis Access Fistula Maturation

Background: The inability of a newly created arteriovenous fistula to support hemodialysis due to non-maturation results in increased complications secondary to catheter dependence. Methods: In view of the highly variable approaches by providers with heterogenous backgrounds (general surgery, vascular surgery, interventional radiology and interventional nephrology, urology, transplant surgery, etc.) we sought to describe a collection of algorithms that have functioned well in our hands to manage this challenging clinical problem and guide trainees and practicing clinicians alike.Results: Physical examination along with selective duplex ultrasound and fistulogram can identify most pathologies underlying non-maturation.Conclusion: Both endovascular and open techniques can be employed to optimize maturation rates in this complex population.

An Atypical Presentation of a Zygomatic Sialocele in a dog

A sialocele is an accumulation of salivary fluid due to leakage into the interstitial space surrounding the affected salivary gland and/or its corresponding duct. Reported causes of salivary leakage include trauma, foreign bodies, sialoliths, and neoplasia, but in many cases the etiology is not identified. Clinical signs of sialoceles associated with the zygomatic salivary gland or corresponding duct usually include exophthalmos due to periorbital salivary accumulation, whereas sialoceles associated with the mandibular or sublingual glands or ducts usually manifest as cervical, pharyngeal and/or sublingual salivary accumulation. This case report describes an atypical cervical presentation of a zygomatic sialocele in a dog that resolved after zygomatic sialoadenectomy.

Sono-angiography for dialysis vascular access based on the freehand 2D ultrasound scanning

INTRODUCTION

Dialysis vascular access, preferably an autogenous arteriovenous fistula, remains an end stage renal disease (ESRD) patient's lifeline providing a means of connecting the patient to the dialysis machine. Once an access is created, the current gold standard of care for maintenance of vascular access is angiography and angioplasty to treat stenosis. While point of care 2D ultrasound has been used to detect access problems, we sought to reproduce angiographic results comparable to the gold standard angiogram (fistulogram) using ultrasound data acquired from a conventional 2D ultrasound scanner.

METHODS

A 2D ultrasound probe was used to acquire a series of cross sectional images of the vascular access including arteriovenous anastomosis of a subject with a radio-cephalic fistula. These 2D B-mode images were used for 3D vessel reconstruction by binary thresholding to categorize vascular versus non-vascular structures followed by standard image segmentation to select the structure representative of dialysis vascular access and morphologic filtering. Image processing was done using open source Python Software.

RESULTS

The open source software was able to: (1) view the gold standard fistulogram images, (2) reconstruct 2D planar images of the fistula from ultrasound data as viewed from the top, analogous to computerized tomography images, and (3) construct a 2D representation of vascular access similar to the angiogram.

CONCLUSION

We present a simple approach to obtain an angiogram-like representation of the vascular access from readily available, non-proprietary 2D ultrasound data in the point of care setting. While the sono-angiogram is not intended to replace angiography, it may be useful in providing 3D imaging at the point of care in the dialysis unit, outpatient clinic, or for pre-operative planning for interventional procedures. Future work will focus on improving the robustness and quality of the imaging data while preserving the straightforward freehand approach used for ultrasound data acquisition.

Spontaneous bronchobiliary fistula: Case report

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare condition that results from the communication between the bile ducts and the bronchial tree. It is characterized by the presence of bile in the sputum as pathognomonic symptom, and it is often associated with suspicious pneumonia. The most common causes include infections (e.g. echinococcosis), hepatobiliary surgery, blunt torso traumas, tumors and percutaneous transhepatic procedures. Opinions about BBF treatment are still controversial as it can be treated by both conservative and surgical procedures, while pharmacological treatments are only rarely used. This case report presents a patient who had been diagnosed with chronic BBF of unknown cause, underwent several ineffective conservative procedures and was at last surgically treated.

Double superior vena cava on fistulogram: A case report and discussion

Patient: Female, 50

Final Diagnosis: Double superior vena cava

Symptoms: —

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Nephrology

Radiographic and endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas

The management of enterocutaneous fistulas continues to be a challenging postoperative complication. Understanding the anatomy of the fistula optimizes its evaluation and management. Diagnostic radiology has always played an important role in this task. The use of plain radiography with contrasted studies and fistulograms is well documented in the earliest investigations of fistulas and they continue to be helpful techniques. The imaging techniques have evolved rapidly over the past 15 years with the introduction of cross-sectional imaging, ultrasound and endoscopy. The purpose of this chapter is to review both the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of fistulograms, small bowel follow-through, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and endoscopy in the setting of acquired enterocutaneous fistulas.

Fistulography as an aid in the diagnosis of a nonradiopaque foreign body in a dog

A case of chronic fistula associated with foreign body penetration of the soft tissues was diagnosed in the skull of a dog by fistulography. Radiographic technique and diagnostic features are described and illustrated.