Femoral arteriovenous fistula associated with calf pain 2 months after removal of a haemodialysis catheter.

Double-lumen catheters are widely used to achieve temporary access to circulation in patients requiring acute haemodialysis (HD); however, several complications are associated with the insertion of these catheters. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF), a rare but significant complication of catheter insertion, has been reported in several cases. In this report, we describe a case of a right femoral AVF that caused calf pain 2 months after HD catheter removal. The right ankle-brachial index was 0.46, and the diagnosis of AVF was confirmed using colour Doppler ultrasound and three-dimensional CT. The fistula was managed by surgical vascular repair. The right ABI improved to 1.06, and the absence of fistula was confirmed using three-dimensional CT. Therefore, physicians and nursing staff should be aware of the potential of this complication and should perform clinical and medical examinations at the insertion and removal of temporary HD catheters.