Diffuse Aneurysmal Degeneration of the Brachial Artery after Long-Standing High-Flow Arteriovenous Fistula Closure for Hemodialysis at Elbow Level

While the possibility of development of a panarterial dilatation proximal to a long-standing high-flow posttraumatic arteriovenous fistula is well known, to the best of our knowledge, this event has never been described after vascular access for hemodialysis closure. We describe a man in whom a diffuse aneurysmal degeneration of the brachial artery has been highlighted 6 months after long-standing high-flow arteriovenous fistula closure. A 47-year-old man developed a painful pulsatile mass in the anterior distal third of his arm 6 months after long-standing high-flow arteriovenous fistula closure at the level of his elbow. A computed tomography scan revealed multiple “true” aneurysms of the brachial artery (BA) that appeared enlarged in toto. One of these aneurysms (near the BA bifurcation) presented with significant thrombus stratification. Surgery was recommended because of the major risk of peripheral embolization. Considering the anatomic characteristics of both the BA and aneurysm, no arterial substitution was performed and, after removal of the thrombus, the aneurysm diameter was reduced via direct arterial wall suture. The patient was discharged under oral anticoagulation. Aneurysmal degeneration of the donor artery after vascular access is relatively rare but represents a challenging problem. Operative or conservative management of these aneurysms should evaluate both the possible aneurysm-related complications and the feasibility of vascular reconstruction. In this context, the risk of additional donor artery and/or vascular reconstruction enlargement over time should also be considered.