[Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiovascular effects of the arteriovenous fistula in haemodialyzed patients (author's transl)].

A prospective echocardiographic study was conducted in 24 patients undergoing haemodialysis to evaluate the cardiovascular consequences of their arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Recordings were taken before and after occlusion of the AVF during 15 minutes, which made it possible to measure the output of the shunt. With one exception, the AVF had no effect on the mechanisms of cardiac failure and arterial hypertension. Echocardiography therefore seems capable of providing valuable information on the haemodynamics status of patients under haemodialysis.