Imaging of haemodialysis: renal and extrarenal findings

Electrolyte alterations and extra-renal disorders are quite frequent in patients undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The native kidneys may be the site of important pathologies in patients undergoing dialysis, especially in the form of acquired renal cystic disease with frequent malignant transformation. Renal neoplasms represents an important complication of haemodialysis-associated acquired cystic kidney disease and imaging surveillance is suggested. Extra-renal complications include renal osteodistrophy, brown tumours, and thoracic and cardiovascular complications. Other important fields in which imaging techniques may provide important informations are arteriovenous fistula and graft complications. Teaching points • Renal neoplasms represent a dreaded complication of haemodialysis. • In renal osteodystrophy bone resorption typically manifests along the middle phalanges. • Brown tumours are well-defined lytic lesions radiographically, possibly causing bone expansion. • Vascular calcifications are very common in patients undergoing haemodialysis. • Principal complications of the AV fistula consist of thrombosis, aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.