Bilateral central vein stenosis in a dialysis patient with a pacemaker

Abstract

Central vein stenosis is not uncommon in hemodialysis-dependent patients as a result of mechanical damage to the vessel walls from prior cannulation. It can cause ipsilateral upper limb swelling and pain, resulting in suboptimal hemodialysis. It is unfortunate for bilateral central vein stenosis to develop concomitantly, and rare in the setting of an in-situ pacemaker. This case illustrates the successful ligation of a nondependent left arteriovenous fistula and stenting of the right subclavian vein with functioning ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula, to overcome the problem of symptomatic bilateral upper limb swelling.