Duplex ultrasound scanning in the assessment of arteriovenous fistulas created for hemodialysis access: comparison with digital subtraction angiography.

The results of duplex ultrasound scanning for the diagnosis of stenoses in Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistulas and graft arteriovenous fistulas created for hemodialysis access are reported. Quantitative Doppler spectrum analysis of 64 arteriovenous fistulas was correlated with the outcome of digital subtraction angiography. The best Doppler parameter for the detection of a stenosis was the peak systolic frequency. In graft arteriovenous fistulas the use of this parameter resulted in a diagnostic accuracy of 86%, a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 84% in the detection of stenoses. In Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistulas the diagnosis of anastomotic stenoses was possible with a diagnostic accuracy of 81%, a sensitivity of 79%, and a specificity of 84%. Measurement of peak systolic frequency ratios or end-diastolic frequencies had no additional diagnostic value for the detection of stenoses. The diagnosis of efferent vein stenoses was very accurate with duplex investigation (accuracy 96%, sensitivity 95%, and a specificity of 97%. We conclude that duplex scanning is a promising noninvasive method for the diagnosis of stenoses in arteriovenous fistulas created for hemodialysis access.