Insufficient arteriovenous fistulae in hemodialysis patients.
BACKGROUND
For an accurate assessment of structural changes in arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) a microscopic analysis is mandatory.


METHODS
25 insufficient AVF were analyzed with the light microscope using standard histological and immunohistochemical techniques.


RESULTS
In 7 patients (28%) atherosclerotic lesions as causes of AVF insufficiency were found. The other 18 patients (72%) had an inhomogeneous spectrum of nonatherosclerotic lesions, for instance intimal hyperplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Histopathologic analysis of insufficient AVF helps clarify the underlying changes in the structure of the vessel wall.
Janzen
J
J
Unilabs Mittelland, Institut fur Pathologie, Bern, Switzerland. jkr.janzen@freenet.de
Mickley
V
V
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology