Analysis and Management of Perivenous Tissue Pain in the Outflow Tract of Arteriovenous Fistulas During Dialysis

BACKGROUND: Pain is a prevalent cause of medical consultation among dialysis patients, severely impacting both treatment outcomes and quality of life. This study focuses on a specific yet underexplored type of pain-delayed and progressive perivenous tissue pain in the outflow tract of arteriovenous fistulas (AV fistula) during dialysis. The aim is to summarize its clinical features, investigate its underlying mechanisms, and evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments, ultimately providing new insights into pain management. METHODS: This study included 36 patients who experienced delayed and progressive perivenous tissue pain in the outflow tract of AV fistulas during dialysis. Pain features were systematically summarized, and the AV fistula status was comprehensively evaluated through general observation, physical examination, and imaging. A series of trial interventions were employed to further explore the underlying mechanisms of pain. Based on these findings, appropriate treatment strategies were identified and implemented, with therapeutic outcomes monitored over a 12-month follow-up. FINDINGS: The specific pain may be closely associated with venous hypertension. Ultrasonography identified high-flow fistulas in 18 patients, while angiography revealed varying degrees of outflow vein stenosis in 23 patients. Five patients with slightly elevated fistula blood flow and no significant stenosis underwent bandage compression therapy. Thirty-one patients with markedly increased blood flow and/or outflow vein stenosis received ultrasound-guided flow restriction surgery, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, or combined therapies. All patients achieved pain relief, with no recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This study systematically investigates perivenous tissue pain in the outflow tract of AV fistula during dialysis. Venous hypertension is likely the primary underlying cause of this condition. Treatment options, including bandage compression, flow restriction surgery, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and combined therapies, effectively alleviate the tissue pain.