Fistulogram for a Cephalic Arch Aneurysm
Tiffany R. Bellomo, MD1,2; Brett J. Salomon, MD1,2; Jonah Thomas, MD2; Anahita Dua, MD, MS, MBA, FACS1
1Massachusetts General Hospital
2Mass General Brigham
More than 100,000 arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are created annually in the United States, but are frequently complicated by venous outflow stenosis, aneurysm formation, and aneurysms that often require angiographic evaluation and intervention. Cephalic arch stenosis is a particularly common cause of dysfunction in brachiocephalic fistulas due to high flow. This is typically managed with fistulogram-guided angioplasty, although repeated interventions are associated with restenosis and access-related complications.
This article present the case of a 63-year-old, right-hand dominant male with end-stage renal disease secondary to glomerulonephritis on dialysis through a left upper extremity brachiocephalic AVF that was complicated by recurrent cephalic arch stenosis requiring multiple angioplasties, which ultimately resulted in the development of a cephalic arch aneurysm. Subsequent fistulograms demonstrated a high-grade stenosis that could not be traversed despite multiple attempts.
Comprehensive preoperative evaluation included focused history, physical examination, duplex ultrasound, and computed tomography venography. The fistulogram described in this article demonstrated a patent, high-flow AVF with a saccular aneurysm of the proximal cephalic vein measuring up to 28 mm without thrombus and no hemodynamically significant flow-limiting stenosis. Given the absence of flow limitation and the risk of compromising future access, stent placement was deferred.
This case highlights the importance of individualized decision-making in the management of complex AVF complications. Fistulograms serve as a critical diagnostic and therapeutic tool, allowing real-time assessment of anatomy and flow to guide intervention. In select patients, conservative endovascular management with surveillance may preserve access durability and delay the need for more invasive procedures.