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Complications following vascular procedures in the upper extremities: a sonographic pictorial review

John D Millet1, Gowthaman Gunabushanam, Vijayanadh Ojili

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. john.millet@yale.edu

Ultrasound Quarterly
|January 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Complications from upper extremity vascular interventions are rising. Ultrasound is crucial for diagnosing these issues, including thrombosis, hematoma, and fistulas, guiding effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Increasing use of upper extremity arteries for procedures like angiography and interventions.
  • Rising incidence of complications following arterial interventions and deep venous thrombosis from central line placement.
  • Ultrasound as a primary imaging modality for suspected vascular injuries in the upper extremities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the sonographic appearance of vascular complications in the upper extremities.
  • To review the spectrum of complications following vascular procedures in this region.
  • To correlate imaging findings with management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Pictorial review of ultrasound (gray-scale, color, pulsed Doppler) findings.
  • Demonstration of common complications: thrombosis, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, arterial dissection.
  • Brief discussion of endovascular and surgical management options.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the characteristic gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound appearances for each complication.
  • Visual examples illustrating the spectrum of vascular injuries.
  • Correlation of sonographic findings with clinical presentation and management.

Conclusions:

  • Sonographic evaluation is essential for diagnosing vascular complications after upper extremity interventions.
  • Familiarity with these imaging findings aids in prompt and accurate diagnosis.
  • Ultrasound-guided management strategies can be effectively employed for these complications.

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