Ultrasonographic evaluation of vascular access complications

In 24 patients, sonograms were obtained of 25 vascular accesses, 16 of which were bovine grafts, 7 arteriovenous fistulae, 1 a polytetrafluoroethylene graft, and 1 an external Silastic shunt. On the sonograms, the lumen, course, and insertions of the vascular grafts and fistulae were outlined, anterior and posterior aneurysms demonstrated, hematomas differentiated from aneurysms, and intrinsic distinguished from extrinsic lesions. The authors conclude ultrasonography is a valuable adjunct to clinical evaluation in assessing certain complications of vascular access.