Central vein stenosis in patients with prior subclavian vein catheterization for maintenance dialysis.

We evaluated the prevalence of central vein stenosis in patients with prior central vein catheterization for vascular access for hemodialysis. A total of 36 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who were referred to the division of vascular surgery at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh were evaluated. Bilateral ascending venogram was performed in all cases. The patients were divided into three groups: Group I included 38 extremities in 32 patients who were referred for construction of an arteriovenous fistula. All these patients had previous history of subclavian vein catheterization. This included six patients who had bilateral catheter insertion. Venography demonstrated greater than 50% central vein lesions in 13 of the 38 extremities yielding a prevalence of 34%. Group II included four extremities in four patients who were on hemodialysis for many years all of whom presented with features suggestive of venous obstruction in their already existing arteriovenous fistulae. All four patients gave history of prior subclavian vein catheterization for dialysis. Three of these patients had > 50% subclavian vein stenosis while one showed complete occlusion of the vein. Group III included 30 extremities without history of prior central vein cannulation and none of them showed any lesions on venography. Our study further confirms previous reports that show a high prevalence of central vein stenosis following use of subclavian catheter as vascular access. We suggest that the subclavian route should be abandoned in patients with ESRD and temporary venous cannulation, if needed, should be performed in the femoral or internal jugular veins. Also, in individuals with history of prior central vein cannulation, venography is strongly recommended before an arteriovenous fistula is made.