Pre-procedure imaging planning for dialysis access in patients with end-stage renal disease using ultrasound and upper extremity computed tomography angiography: a narrative review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and subsequent need for dialysis is continuously rising. The detailed preoperative planning and careful creation of a functioning access for hemodialysis as a bridge to transplant or as a long-term solution, has a crucial role to reduce vascular access associated morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life of the ESRD patient population. In addition to a detailed medical workup including physical exam, a variety of imaging modalities exist to support further decision making with regard to the best suited vascular access for each individual patient. These modalities provide both, a comprehensive anatomical overview of the vascular tree and specific pathologic findings, which may increase the likelihood of access failure or insufficient access maturation. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of current literature and an overview of the different imaging modalities in vascular access planning. Additionally, we provide a step-by-step planning algorithm for hemodialysis access creation. METHODS: After searching in PubMed and Cochrane database of systematic review, we reviewed eligible English literatures published up to 2021, including guidelines and meta-analyses, retrospective and prospective cohort studies. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Duplex ultrasound is widely accepted as first line imaging tool for preoperative vessel mapping. However, this modality has its inherent limitations, therefore specific questions can be assessed using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or venography and computed tomography angiography (CTA). These modalities are more invasive, are associated with radiation exposure and require nephrotoxic contrast agents. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may be an alternative in selected centers with available expertise. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-procedure imaging recommendations are mainly based on retrospective (register-) studies and case-series. Prospective studies and randomized trials are primarily related to access outcomes in ESRD patients who underwent preoperative duplex ultrasound. Comparative prospective data related to invasive DSA and non-invasive cross-sectional imaging (CTA or MRA) are lacking.