Case Report
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World J Nephrol. Aug 6, 2014; 3(3): 118-121
Published online Aug 6, 2014. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v3.i3.118
Innocuous-looking skin scab over an arteriovenous fistula: Case report and literature review
Badri Shrestha, Simon Boyes, Peter Brown
Badri Shrestha, Simon Boyes, Peter Brown, Sheffield Kidney Institute, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield S5 7AU, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Shrestha B managed the patient and prepared the manuscript; Simon Boyes was involved in preparing the manuscript; Brown P performed radiological investigations and contributed to manuscript preparation.
Correspondence to: Badri Shrestha MD FRCS FACS, Sheffield Kidney Institute, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, United Kingdom. shresthabm@doctors.net.uk
Telephone: +44-114-2434343 Fax: +44-114-2714604
Received: March 7, 2014
Revised: April 28, 2014
Accepted: June 10, 2014
Published online: August 6, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: An innocuous looking scab may develop over an arteriovenous fistula after repeated punctures. There may be serious underlying damage to the arterialised vein. This case report emphasizes the importance of an early diagnostic colour Doppler examination in these circumstances and timely surgical intervention, to prevent potential life-threatening haemorrhage or other complications.