Background
Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) may contribute to cardiac remodeling and consequently to an increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We aimed to assess cardiac changes following AVF creation, investigate the association between AVF blood flow (Qacc), ventricular function and pulmonary hemodynamics, and to identify factors associated with cardiac remodeling.
Methods
In our prospective, single-center study, ESKD patients without significant pre-existing cardiac disease underwent 2D and 3D echocardiography before and 6–9 months after AVF creation, along with Qacc measurement. Cardiac remodeling was assessed using 3D indexed left and right ventricular end-diastolic volumes (LVEDVi and RVEDVi), while systolic function was assessed using 3D ejection fraction and longitudinal strain. Pulmonary hemodynamics were assessed by estimating systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).
Results
We included 20 patients (18 men; median age 73.5 years [IQR: 67–77]), with a mean Qacc of 1140 ± 345 mL/min. At follow-up (median 8.2 months [IQR: 7.3–9.3] after AVF creation), significant biventricular dilatation was observed (LVEDVi: 89 ± 14 vs. 97 ± 21 mL/m², p = 0.029; RVEDVi: 80 ± 15 vs. 91 ± 18 mL/m², p = 0.014), while systolic function parameters remained unchanged. The right ventricle showed the most pronounced remodeling and it was independently associated with fluid overload (p = 0.003) and elevated left ventricular filling pressure (p = 0.030). Qacc was not associated with the degree of remodeling, ventricular systolic function or changes in SPAP and PVR.
Conclusion
Moderate AVF flow was associated with cardiac remodeling, primarily affecting the right ventricle. Fluid overload and left ventricular filling pressure were key factors associated with right ventricular remodeling, underscoring the need for careful fluid management and vascular access planning in ESKD patients.
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