Evaluation of the diagnostic criteria for the localization of acquired arteriovenous fistulas by color Doppler flow imaging.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic criteria for the localization of acquired arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) based on the features of their hemodynamic changes.

METHODS

The shape and hemodynamic changes of involved vessels which could be helpful to localize the sites of fistulas were studied according to the observation of 10 cases of acquired AVFs.

RESULTS

The sites of the fistulas could be shown by two-dimensional ultrasonography and color flow imaging in 40% and 80% cases, respectively. In all cases, turbulent high-velocity flow was present at the sites of the fistulas, low resistant flow was present in the arteries proximal to the fistulas, and artery-like flow was detected in the veins.

CONCLUSION

CDFI was accurate for the localization of acquired AVFs, which were mainly localized by their hemodynamic changes shown by pulse Doppler ultrasound.