Treatment of post-biopsy arteriovenous fistula of a renal graft by selective embolization

• Main Authors: Lina M Serna-Higuita, Monica Zuluaga-Quintero, Jose M Hidalgo-Oviedo, Sergio Alvarez Vallejo, Arbey Aristizabal-Alzate, Gustavo A Zuluaga-Valencia, John F Nieto-Ríos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2021-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Nephrology
• Subjects: arteriovenous fistula; kidney transplantation; graft biopsy; graft rejection; selective embolization
• Online Access: http://www.indianjnephrol.org/article.asp?issn=0971-4065;year=2021;volume=31;issue=2;spage=201;epage=204;aulast=Serna-Higuita
• ISSN: 0971-4065; 1998-3662

The development of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after renal graft biopsy is a rare complication, it is associated in most cases with spontaneous resolution. However, interventional therapies are required in some cases, to prevent graft loss. Selective embolization has been described as an alternative treatment. In the present study, we describes our experience on AVF after biopsy in kidney transplant patients, which was managed with selective embolization. From 2005 to 2015, a total of 452 kidney transplant biopsies were performed, 12 had an AVF requiring embolization. In 92% of cases, this was successful. Beforehand, mean serum creatinine levels were 2.45 mg/dL, after the procedure, that increased to 3.05, however, 3 months later, mean creatinine levels dropped to 1.85 mg/dL. Graft survival after 2 follow-up years was 72%. Our experience demonstrates that selective embolization of the AVF after kidney transplant biopsy is a safe procedure, and that transplant function can be maintained in patients with this complication.