Scintigraphic criteria for the diagnosis of renal arteriovenous fistulas.

Abstract

Visualization of the inferior vena cava (IVC) on renal perfusion imaging occurs in cases of renal arteriovenous (AV) fistulas. A review of consecutive renal scans demonstrated IVC visualization in three of 217 patients without AV fistulas. IVC visualization occurred 3-6 seconds after peak aortic activity in normal patients. With renal AV fistulas, an intrarenal focus of increased activity is seen and IVC visualization occurs coincident with peak aortic activity.