Autogenous arteriovenous fistula dysfunction: multi-slice spiral CT panoramic angiography and its clinical value

Objective: To explore the panoramic vascular imaging of autologous arteriovenous fistula dysfunction with multi-slice spiral CT angiography and to discuss its clinical application. Methods: A total of 32 hemodialysis patients with autologous arteriovenous fistula dysfunction were enrolled in this study. Multi-slice spiral CT scanning of dialysis passage was performed in all patients. Panoramic vascular imaging was obtained by using multi-planar reconstruction, curved-planar reconstruction, maximum intensity projection, volume rendering and vascular automatic bone-elimination techniques. The results were analyzed. Results: The upper limb vessels on the diseased side and their relationship with the surrounding structures were clearly displayed in all patients, based on which the responsible vessels caused autogenous arteriovenous fistula dysfunction were determined. Different proper means of intervention were adopted for each patient. Surgical re-establishment of dialysis passage was carried out in 30 patients, and non-surgical treatment was employed in 2 patients in order to improve hemodialysis flow. Conclusion: Panoramic vascular imaging with multi-slice spiral CT angiography can well display the responsible vessels caused autogenous arteriovenous fistula dysfunction, which is very helpful in guiding the clinical selection of the treatment. (authors)