Ultrasound appearances and histological correlation of native arteriovenous fistula stenoses - A retrospective case series.

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The pathophysiology of haemodialysis arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) stenoses is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to perform histology assessment of stenoses in native AVF and compare and correlate the findings between ultrasound and histology. Intimal medial thickness (IMT) was measured on ultrasound where there was measurable neointimal hyperplasia at the site of stenosis and percentage intimal thickening calculated. Ultrasound findings were then compared with histology analysis of AVF stenoses in nine patients. In this small sample, different sonographic appearances and histology were demonstrated. Ultrasound demonstrated stenoses with neointimal hyperplasia and those with no measurable neointimal hyperplasia. Percentage intimal thickening was between 0% and 100%. The histology of the de novo stenoses (where no previous radiological or surgical procedure was performed) demonstrated stenoses with neointimal hyperplasia, no neointimal hyperplasia and neointimal hyperplasia and fibrosis. The histology findings after percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) demonstrated stenoses with neointimal hyperplasia and fibrosis and a stenosis with an acute inflammatory reaction. The findings in this small sample demonstrated that AVF stenoses are not a uniform group as demonstrated by different sonographic and corresponding appearances at histology. Ultrasound appearances of neointimal hyperplasia appear to correlate with neointimal hyperplasia on histology. These findings warrant further investigation and may have implications for treatment strategies.