A case of vertebral arteriovenous fistula in a patient undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Vertebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an uncommon vascular disorder and defined as abnormal connections of the extracranial vertebral artery or its branches into the neighboring vein or deep venous plexus. This can be spontaneous or traumatic in origin. Spontaneous cases may be congenital or associated with dysplasia of vascular wall. Traumatic cases are due either to blunt or penetrating trauma, or iatrogenic trauma. Case presentation A vertebral AVF was detected by carotid duplex ultrasonography, and an endovascular treatment was successfully performed in a 72-year-old woman with 1 year history of hemodialysis. Conclusion An extensive observation by carotid duplex ultrasonography is needed to detect vertebral AVF in patients who have a history of dialysis catheter insertion to internal jugular vein.

Keywords

• Vertebral arteriovenous fistula
• Hemodialysis
• Carotid duplex ultrasonography