Upper extremity digital subtraction venography with gadoterate meglumine before fistula creation for hemodialysis

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential role of gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA) as a contrast agent for upper extremity venography before the creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for nondialyzed renal insufficiency patients. Methods. Over a 16-month period, 50 venographies were performed on end-stage renal insufficiency patients, using Gd-DOTA as a contrast agent on a high-resolution digital subtraction angiography system. Three sequences were performed on forearm, arm, and chest at 3 mL/sec for a total of 35 mt of Gd-DOTA. Examinations were reviewed by two radiologists for diagnostic and opacification quality. Tolerance was evaluated on the evolution of serum creatinine levels and occurrence of pain during injection. Results. Good interobserver correlation was obtained in evaluating the feasibility of AVF creation by vein segment (0.64 < <kappa> < 0.88) and in relationship to opacification quality (0.62 to 0.87). No deterioration in renal function (creatinine level before and after) or pain was observed. Twenty-six patients underwent surgical creation of brachiobasilic (N = 8), brachiocephalic (N = 8), radiocephalic (N = 8), and cubito-cephalic (N = 1) fistulas or insertion of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft (N = 1). Seventeen were awaiting AVF or were on peritoneal dialysis. Two died before surgery for reasons unconnected with the venography. Conclusions. Venography with Gd-DOTA is an effective and safe technique in planning AVFs for renal insufficiency patients.