Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Arteriovenous Fistulae and Steal Syndrome Complicating Renal Allograft Biopsies. A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Ramessur Chandran Sharmila, Mulley William, Holt Michael, Burnes James and Kanellis John

Background: Biopsy-related kidney transplants Arteriovenous Fistulae (AVF) are common. Most resolve spontaneously but rarely are they complicated by graft dysfunction. We describe 2 such cases of AVF occurring post renal allograft biopsy. Case reports: A 33 year old lady had multiple biopsies of her renal allograft due to ongoing rejection. Her renal function worsened and a 1.3 cm AVF was diagnosed on Doppler Ultrasound. The AVF closed spontaneously during angiogram and the patient’s renal function improved. The second case was a 25 year old man who had a biopsy due to acute rise in creatinine 14 weeks post transplantation. The biopsy was complicated by haematuria and an AVF was diagnosed on doppler ultrasound. The AVF enlarged over 3 months. An angiogram and endovascular coiling was performed with good resolution of the AVF. The patient’s renal function normalised. Conclusion: Endovascular coiling can ensure good resolution of renal AVF and is generally well tolerated.