Rapid progression of finger gangrene in a hemodialysis patient: A case report

Abstract

Severe hemodialysis access-induced distal ischemia is an uncommon complication after arteriovenous fistula creation. Finger amputation is rare and generally does not involve the entirety of the digit. The distal revascularization interval ligation procedure has become less commonly used for hemodialysis access-induced distal ischemia over the past decade. The procedure typically requires general anesthesia, greater saphenous vein harvest, and brachial artery ligation. We describe a 64-year-old female with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis via a well-functioning brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula who developed rapid progression of finger gangrene. She underwent the distal revascularization interval ligation procedure, followed by finger amputations. The finger amputations healed within 6 months of the distal revascularization interval ligation procedure and the fistula was preserved at 2-year follow-up.