Thrombosis related to true axillo-brachial arterial aneurysm following ligation of longstanding arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

A 52-year-old man who had received hemodialysis via a left radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for 18 years presented with severe ischemic symptoms in the left upper arm 12 years after occlusion of the AVF. Diagnostic imaging revealed thrombotic occlusion from a left axillary-brachial artery aneurysm, which required distal bypass surgery. The inflow artery of an AVF can develop aneurysmal degeneration, resulting in upper limb ischemia by embolization or decreased flow, especially with a ligated or occluded AVF or immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation. In such cases, the AVF should be monitored, even if ligated or occluded.