Acute cardiorenal syndrome by high flow arteriovenous fistula after kidney transplantation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to increase recognition of high flow arteriovenous fistulas in kidney transplant patients.

CASE: Here, we report the case of a 22-year-old man with repeated hospitalizations for cardiomegaly and chronic pericardial effusion after kidney transplantation. Eventually, high flow of his arteriovenous fistula was recognized 5.5 years after transplantation when he developed acute cardiorenal syndrome. Access flow reduction markedly improved kidney graft function along with reversion of cardiomegaly, which was impressively demonstrated by follow-up chest-x-rays.

CONCLUSION

Arteriovenous fistulas should be monitored regularly after kidney transplantation to avoid congestive heart failure and other serious complications.