Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula
Published on: July 11, 2013
Venous aneurysm complicating arteriovenous fistula access and matrix metalloproteinases
Raffaele Serra1, Lucia Butrico2, Raffaele Grande2
1Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL). International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology. Headquarters: University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa 88100 Catanzaro, Italy ; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, 88100, Italy.
Introduction:
An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for placed for hemodialysis may be burdened by one particular complication-the formation of a venous aneurysm. It has been shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) could represent markers of disease in both venous and arterial vessels.
Materials And Methods:
This case study reports a rare case of enormous venous aneurysm-correlated MMP and NGAL levels in a woman with an AVF.
Results:
Significantly higher levels of plasma MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-9, and NGAL were detected in this patient during aneurysmal evaluation before the surgery; these levels significantly decreased 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery.
Conclusion:
MMP and NGAL levels could represent a marker of aneurysmal disease, and their plasma evaluation could help physicians to stratify the risk of complications in patients with an AVF.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Anastomoses
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They...
Aneurysm I: Introduction

