The Role of Ultrasound Examination in the Assessment of Suitability of Calcified Arteries for Vascular Access Creation-Mini Review.

ABSTRACT: Arterial calcifications are present in 20-40% of patients with end-stage kidney disease and are more frequent among the elderly and diabetics. They reduce the possibility of arterio-venous fistula (AVF) formation and maturation and increase the likelihood of complications, especially distal ischemia. This review focuses on methods for detecting arterial calcifications and assessing the suitability of calcified arteries for providing inflow before the construction of an AVF. The importance of a clinical examination is stressed. A grading system is proposed for quantifying the severity of calcifications in the arteries of the arm with B-mode and Doppler ultrasound exams. Functional tests to assess the suitability of the artery to provide adequate inflow to the AVF are discussed, including Do

SUBMITTER: Gubensek J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10453329 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature