Infected Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Graft Presenting as Left and Right Infective Endocarditis

Abstract

Prosthetic grafts have become an acceptable alternative to the autogenous arteriovenous dialysis fistula. The major drawback in their use for the dialysis patient is infection. We present a case of infected polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous fistula (endarteritis) with signs of unilateral splinter hemorrhage, Janeway lesions in the affected limb and septic venous embolization to the lungs. The graft eventually ruptured requiring emergency surgery. Staphylococcus aureus is by far the most common implicated organism. An otherwise non-threatening infection at a fistula site can lead to more serious complications such as infective endocarditis.