title: Superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula in vascularized whole organ pancreatic allografts.
abstract: Despite improved results in vascularized pancreatic transplantation, the incidence of technical complications continues to be high. Vascular complications are an important source of morbidity. Previously undescribed is the occurrence of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the transplanted mesenteric bundle. We have identified this unusual complication in three of 90 consecutive recipients of pancreatic transplant. The first patient presented with severe and protracted endocrine insufficiency, which was effectively reversed by direct surgical ligation of the AVF. The second patient presented with hematuria, which likewise, resolved with correction of the AVF. The third instance was diagnosed immediately after transplant and was successfully corrected by direct surgical ligation. The operative approach with establishment of proximal vascular control differed in each instance. Clinical presentation was variable and diagnosis was suggested by physical examination, duplex ultrasonography and radionuclide perfusion scanning. Arteriography was confirmatory. Mesenteric AVF can be easily identified and corrected at the time of reoperation without compromising allograft function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, Omaha 68198-3280.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lowell
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bynon
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Stratta
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006417:Hematuria / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008642:Mesenteric Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016035:Pancreas Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement