Axillary artery aneurysm following closure of haemodialysis fistula. A case report.

Aneurysm formation after ligation of traumatic arteriovenous fistulae is a well-documented event, but this complication has been scarcely reported in vascular access for haemodialysis. We describe a case report of delayed aneurysm formation following closure of a haemodialysis fistula. A 57 year-old man was found to have a left axillary artery aneurysm 10 years after closure of a brachio-cephalic arterio-venous fistula. Though he was initially asymptomatic, 6 years later, he developed a progressive sense of coldness in the left hand and an increase in size of the aneurysm. The patient underwent an uncomplicated reversed saphenous vein bypass to replace the aneurysm. The possible aetiological factors and management options are discussed and pertinent literature reviewed.