MR ANGIOGRAPHY IN EVALUATION OF ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Knowing the nature of anatomic disturbances in arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients is crucial in the management. Duplex ultrasonography and intraarterial angiography are the main imaging techniques applied in clinical practice. Despite being the gold standard, necessity of hospitalization, nephrotoxic properties of the radiocontrast medium used, exposure to radiation and invasive nature of the procedure limit the application of the intraarterial angiography. MR angiography, being an emerging technique in visualization of vascular structures, is devoid of aforementioned handicaps. We applied MR angiography to four patients and yielded successful visualization. We suggest that MR angiography might be a good alternative to intraarterial angiography in patients with residual renal function and when hospitalization was not desired.