Shunt flow of arteriovenous fistulas from plantar artery.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to visualize the shunt flow of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) passing towards the top side of the foot from the plantar artery.

METHODS

Colour-flow duplex Doppler ultrasonography was performed in 112 patients who consulted an outpatient clinic with varicose veins and/or symptoms such as foot oedema, dullness, cramp and coldness. Thirteen age-and sex-matched healthy subjects served as controls.

RESULTS

AVFs were detected in 86 of 112 patients (77%). They were also detected in 10 (77%) of 13 healthy subjects. The shunt flow pattern consisted of two phases of flow corresponding to systole and diastole, and the diastolic fraction of time-velocity integral was larger, although the peak flow velocity in systole was higher than that in diastole.

CONCLUSION

Colour-flow duplex Doppler ultrasonography is useful for non-invasive visualization of the shunt flow of AVFs connecting the plantar artery with the venous arch of the top side of the foot.