The Effect of Low-Flow and Normal-Flow Desflurane Anesthesia on the Frontal QRS-T Angle in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty Operation: A Randomized Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Low-flow anesthesia (LFA) has gained more interest worldwide owing to its economic and ecological advantages compared to normal-flow anesthesia (NFA). Desflurane is one of the commonly used anesthetic agents for LFA, but it may prolong myocardial repolarization. Frontal QRS-T angle (f[QRS-T]a) is a novel marker of myocardial repolarization. To our knowledge, no study has compared the effect of LFA and NFA on f(QRS-T)a. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of the LFA and NFA with desflurane on f(QRS-T)a in patients undergoing rhinoplasty operation. METHODS: A total of 80 patients undergoing rhinoplasty operations were included in this prospective study. The patients were randomized into two groups as follows: LFA (n = 40) and NFA (n = 40). The frontal QRS-T angle was calculated from the automatic report of the electrocardiography device (Nihon Kohden, Tokyo, Japan). It was recorded at the following time points: T1: preoperative (basal), T2: immediately after anesthesia induction, T3: immediately after endotracheal intubation, T4: 5 min after endotracheal intubation, T5: 15 min after endotracheal intubation, T6: 30 min after endotracheal intubation, T7: 60 min after endotracheal intubation, T8: end of the operation, T9: 15 min after the end of the operation. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were similar between the two groups. In the LFA group, f(QRS-T)a was significantly increased at only the T3 time point when compared to T1 (P = 0.003). However, in the NFA group, f(QRS-T)a was significantly increased at T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9 time points when compared to the T1 value (P < 0.05, for all). On the other hand, fQRS-Ta was significantly higher in the NFA group than in the LFA group at T4, T5, and T6 time points.  Conclusion: In our study, we have shown for the first time that NFA significantly increased the f(QRS-T)a, whereas LFA did not significantly increase the f(QRS-T)a except for immediately after the endotracheal intubation. It was also detected that f(QRS-T)a was significantly higher in the NFA group compared to that in the LFA group. Therefore, it can be concluded that LFA has more protective effects on myocardial repolarization than NFA.

The role of biomarkers in the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury associated with acute pancreatitis: Evidence from 582 cases.

BACKGROUND: One of the systemic complications of acute pancreatitis (AP) is acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI development in patients with AP increases mortality, morbidity, and the cost of treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and prevention of AKI is important. The purpose of our study was to present biomarkers and case management of AKI developing in patients with AP. METHODS: The participants of this retrospective study consisted of 582 patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of AP. Atlanta classification was used for the diagnosis and the identification of severity of AP. The laboratory values of patients at the time of first application to the emergency room were recorded. Blood tests were checked 48 h/l. Their blood tests were monitored daily until the day of discharge. RESULTS: Of the 582 patients who were admitted with the AP diagnosis, 344 were female. AKI was detected in 147 patients (25.2%) of the patients admitted with AP diagnosis. The mean age of patients developing AKI was higher than those who did not develop AKI. The albumin and calcium levels in patients developing AKI were significantly lower than the group without AKI. The C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were statistically significantly higher in the group with AKI than the group without AKI. The increase values in AST and ALT levels between the group with AKI and the group without AKI were not statistically significant. The mean leukocyte, CRP, procalcitonin levels, and immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) ratio were higher in patients with AKI in comparison to the patient group without AKI. The decrease in the lymphocyte, hematocrit, and platelet levels was higher in the patient group with AKI compared to the patient group without AKI. Urea and creatinine levels of the group with AKI at the time of admission were higher than the group without AKI. The clinical picture in 13 of the patients we followed up with AP diagnosis was mortal. CONCLUSION: The values of hematocrit, platelet, leukocyte, lymphocyte, albumin, CRP, CRP/albumin ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ration, IG%, procalcitonin, urea, and creatinine that were examined at the time of hospital admission can be useful biomarkers in predicting the development of AKI in patients with AP. In addition, accompanying diseases and age are among the factors affecting AKI development.

Nephroprotective Efficacy of Sugammadex in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: An Experimental Study in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: It is known that ischemia-reperfusion damage in the kidney is one of the most common causes of acute kidney failure. It is also known that reduced renal damage has a nephroprotective effect by reducing the release of inflammatory and vasoactive peptides that cause tissue damage. Therefore, we think that reperfusion caused by ischemia in kidney damage may be an important focus for clinical research. METHODS: A total of 21 healthy 230-250 g female rats were used in our experimental study. During the experiment, animals were randomly divided into three groups, each containing seven rats. Group 1: The group that underwent left nephrectomy with a sham operation. Group 2: Left renal ischemia for 60 minutes, then left nephrectomy followed by 45 minutes of reperfusion. Group 3: Left renal ischemia for 60 minutes, then reperfusion for 45 minutes, followed by left nephrectomy. In this group, sugammadex was given intravenously at a dose of 100 mg/kg at the beginning of reperfusion. In the histomorphological examination, damage findings of tubules atrophy, dilation and cast formation, tubular epithelial brush border loss and vacuolization, presence of fibrosis as interstitial structural change, capillary vasodilatation/congestion and neutrophilic cell infiltrates in interstitial spaces, and morphological changes in glomeruli were evaluated. RESULTS: When evaluated based on tubular brush border, there were no significant differences between Group 2 and Group 1 (P = 0.454), while the damage in Group 3 was less significant than Group 2 (P = 0.017). When evaluated in terms of tubular vacuolization, there was no significant difference between Group 2 and Group 1 (P = 0.902), while the damage in Group 3 was less significant than Group 2 (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: We believe that 100 mg/kg sugammadex given at the beginning of reperfusion after one hour of ischemic condition on rats has a histochemically detectable nephroprotective effect.

Prognostic value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Despite major advances in basic and advanced life supports, patients who survived from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have still poor prognosis. Several inflammatory parameters have been used to determine early and long-term prognosis in patients with OHCA. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is also a novel marker of systemic inflammation. To our knowledge, there is no study evaluating the clinical importance of CAR in OHCA patients. AIMS: To evaluate the effect of CAR on in-hospital mortality in patients with OHCA. METHODS: A total of 102 patients with OHCA were included in this study. The study population was divided into two groups as survivour (n = 43) and non-survivour (n = 59) during follow-up. Complete blood cell counts, biochemical and blood gas analyses were recorded for all patients. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated as the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte. CAR was calculated as the ratio of C-reactive protein to the albumin. RESULTS: NLR (P = .012), CAR (P < .001) and serum lactate level (P = .002) were significantly higher whereas lymphocyte (P = .008) and serum albumin (P < .001) were significantly lower in the non-survivour group compared with the survivour group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR (odds ratio [OR]: 1.044, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.044-1.437, P = .013), CAR (OR: 1.971, 95% CI: 1.327-2.930, P = .001) and lactate level (OR: 1.268, 95% CI: 1.095-1.469, P = .002) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated for the first time that CAR was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in OHCA patients.

Comparison of the Effects of Low-flow and Normal-flow Desflurane Anaesthesia on Inflammatory Parameters in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: According to previous studies, anaesthesia type has an important effect on immune response. However, there are limited data determining the effect of low-flow and normal-flow desflurane anaesthesia on inflammatory parameters. This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-flow and normal-flow desflurane anaesthesia on inflammatory parameters in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A total of 92 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were retrospectively included in this study. The patients were divided into the following 2 groups according to the type of anaesthesia they received: low-flow desflurane anaesthesia group (fresh gas flow rate: 0.5 L min-1) and normal-flow desflurane anaesthesia group (fresh gas flow rate: 2 L min-1). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were obtained before the procedure and 6 hours after the end of the procedure for all patients. RESULTS: Although pre-procedural NLR and PLR were similar between the normal-flow and low-flow anaesthesia groups, post-procedural NLR (4.38±2.00 vs. 3.51±1.37, p=0.023) and PLR (144.38±71.04 vs. 120.58±35.35, p=0.037) were significantly higher in the normal-flow anaesthesia group. In addition, compared with pre-procedural values, post-procedural NLR (from 2.31±1.02 to 4.38±2.00, p<0.001) and PLR (from 125.60±50.97 to 144.38±71.04, p=0.017) were significantly increased in the normal-flow anaesthesia group, whereas post-procedural NLR (from 2.88±2.51 to 3.51±1.37, p=0.135) and PLR (from 121.86±42.78 to 120.58±35.35, p=0.847) did not change significantly in the low-flow anaesthesia group. CONCLUSION: The study results indicated that postoperative inflammatory response was significantly lower with low-flow desflurane anaesthesia than with normal-flow desflurane anaesthesia.

Can Ferritin Levels Predict the Severity of Illness in Patients With COVID-19?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate whether ferritin level can predict the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for both patients and caregivers. Many laboratory markers have been used to better understand the causes of poor outcomes and to improve the management of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A total of 93 patients who had a positive polymerase chain reaction test result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were included in this study. Demographic features, comorbidities, clinical and laboratory findings were obtained from the hospital database retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to the disease severity as follows: mild group (n = 70) and severe group (n = 23). RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 42.5 (28.3-62.8) with 69.9% male patients. Patients in the severe group were significantly older and showed a higher frequency of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and heart failure in comparison with those in the mild group. In addition, gamma-glutamyl transferase, C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were higher whereas albumin level was lower in patients in the severe group. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that ferritin level was the only significant predictor of disease severity (ß = 0.487, t = 2.993, p = 0.004). In receiver operator characteristics curve analysis, ferritin level ≥264.5 ng/mL predicted severe COVID-19 with a sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 94.2%. CONCLUSION: Early analysis of ferritin levels in patients with COVID-19 might effectively predict the disease severity.

[Our clinical experience and follow-up results in hydatid cyst cases: a review of 393 patients from a single center]. / Nossa experiência clínica e resultados no acompanhamento de casos de cisto hidático.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The aim of our study is to present the clinical features of the patients who were treated for hydatid cyst, determine the interventional techniques and anesthesia methods used and review the occurred complications in detail. METHODS: This study included 393 patients who were followed up and/or treated with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst between January 2013 and November 2018. The patients' data was evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 31.0±17.2 years. Of the patients, 111 (28.4%) had more than one cyst and 36 (9.2%) patients had multi-organ involvement. Six of the patients refused the intervention or was transferred to another hospital. Among the remaining 387 patients, 335 (85.2%) received general anesthesia and intubation, 9 patients (2.3%) received general anesthesia and laryngeal mask airway, 39 patients (9.9%) received sedoanalgesia and 4 patients (1%) received regional anesthesia. Perioperative mortality was developed in one patient. The most common periopertaive complication was allergic reaction (1.5%), whereas the most common post-operative complications were atelectasis (3.3%) and biliary fistula (3%). The mean Intensive Care Unit stay (ICU) was 1.9±1.1 days in patients requiring ICU. Recurrence during the 40±17 months follow-up occurred in 8.4% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesiologists have an important role in the management of hydatid cyst patients. Patients should be evaluated exhaustively in terms of multi-organ involvement and the presence of more than one cyst in the same organ. The type of treatment procedure and the localization of the cysts determine the anesthetic management.

Our clinical experience and follow-up results in hydatid cyst cases: a review of 393 patients from a single center / Nossa experiência clínica e resultados no acompanhamento de casos de cisto hidático

Abstract Background and objectives: Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The aim of our study is to present the clinical features of the patients who were treated for hydatid cyst, determine the interventional techniques and anesthesia methods used and review the occurred complications in detail. Methods: This study included 393 patients who were followed up and/or treated with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst between January 2013 and November 2018. The patients' data was evaluated retrospectively. Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.0 ± 17.2 years. Of the patients, 111 (28.4%) had more than one cyst and 36 (9.2%) patients had multi-organ involvement. Six of the patients refused the intervention or was transferred to another hospital. Among the remaining 387 patients, 335 (85.2%) received general anesthesia and intubation, 9 patients (2.3%) received general anesthesia and laryngeal mask airway, 39 patients (9.9%) received sedoanalgesia and 4 patients (1%) received regional anesthesia. Perioperative mortality was developed in one patient. The most common periopertaive complication was allergic reaction (1.5%), whereas the most common post-operative complications were atelectasis (3.3%) and biliary fistula (3%). The mean Intensive Care Unit stay (ICU) was 1.9 ± 1.1 days in patients requiring ICU. Recurrence during the 40 ± 17 months follow-up occurred in 8.4% patients. Conclusions: Anesthesiologists have an important role in the management of hydatid cyst patients. Patients should be evaluated exhaustively in terms of multi-organ involvement and the presence of more than one cyst in the same organ. The type of treatment procedure and the localization of the cysts determine the anesthetic management.

Resumo Introdução e objetivos: Cisto hidático é uma zoonose causada por Echinococcus granulosus. O objetivo do estudo é apresentar as características clínicas dos pacientes submetidos a tratamento de cisto hidático, determinar as técnicas intervencionistas e os tipos de anestesia utilizados, e revisar as complicações ocorridas, em detalhe. Método: Este estudo incluiu 393 pacientes que foram acompanhados e/ou tratados com o diagnóstico de cisto hidático, entre janeiro de 2013 e novembro de 2018. Os dados dos pacientes foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi 31,0 ± 17,2 anos. Do total de pacientes, 111 (28,4%) tinham mais de um cisto, e 36 (9,2%) apresentavam comprometimento em vários órgãos. Seis pacientes recusaram a intervenção ou foram transferidos para outro hospital. Dentre os 387 pacientes remanescentes, 335 (85,2%) receberam anestesia geral e intubação, 9 (2,3%) anestesia geral e máscara laríngea, 39 (9,9%) sedação e analgesia, e 4 (1%) anestesia regional. Houve um óbito no período perioperatório. Reação alérgica foi a complicação perioperatória mais comum (1,5%), e no pós-operatório observou-se mais atelectasia (3,3%) e fístula biliar (3%). O tempo médio de internação na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva foi 1,9 ± 1,1 dias para aqueles que necessitaram desses cuidados. Recidiva durante o seguimento de 40 ± 17 meses ocorreu em 8,4% dos pacientes. Conclusões: Os anestesiologistas têm um papel importante no tratamento dos pacientes com cisto hidático. Os pacientes devem ser avaliados exaustivamente em relação a comprometimento de vários órgãos e presença de mais de um cisto no mesmo órgão. O tipo de procedimento terapêutico e a localização dos cistos determinam a conduta anestésica.

Do metoclopramide and ondansetrone alter mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade? - a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effects of metoclopramide and ondansetrone on mivacurium neuromuscular blockade. METHODS: Seventy five, ASA I-II patients, aged 18-65 and scheduled for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were included in the study. The patients received metoclopramide 10 mg, ondansetrone 4 mg or normal saline 5 mL; group M, group O, group NS (n=25), respectively. Before anesthesia study drugs were administered in a volume of 5 mL. The level of plasma cholinesterase were obtained before and 5 minutes after the administration of study drugs and 5 minutes after the administration of mivacurium. Onset time, T25, T75, T25-75, T90 levels were compared with each other and differences between each patients were investigated. After recording T90, the study was terminated and surgery was started. RESULTS: Onset time was significantly shorter in group M, than the other two groups. Onset time in group O was significantly shorter than in group NS. In Group M T25, T75, T90 and recovery indices were significantly greater than in Group NS (p<0.001). In Group O T25, T75 were greater than Group NS (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). In Group M T75, T90 and emergence indices were significantly higher than Group O (p<0.001, p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively). In Groups M and O, plasma cholinesterase levels decreased significantly (p<0.001) after administration of study drugs and mivacurium. Plasma cholinesterase also was reduced in Group NS 5 minutes after the administration of mivacurium (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Ondansetrone is believed to be more reliable agent than metoclopramide when used with mivacurium.

Metoclopramida e ondansetrona alteram o bloqueio neuromuscular induzido por mivacurio? - um estudo randomizado / Do metoclopramide and ondansetrone alter mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade? - a randomised trial / La metoclopramida y la ondansetrona alteran el bloqueo neuromuscular inducido por mivacurio? - un estudio aleatorizado

Experiência: Objetivamos investigar os efeitos de metoclopramida e ondansetrona no bloqueio neuromuscular por mivacúrio. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 75 pacientes ASA I-II, com idades entre 18 e 65 anos e agendados para cirurgia eletiva necessitando de intubação traqueal. Os pacientes receberam metoclopramida 10 mg, ondansetrona 4 mg ou salina normal 5 mL; grupo M, grupo O e grupo SN (n = 25) respectivamente. Antes da anestesia, os medicamentos em estudo foram administrados em um volume de 5 mL. O nível de colinesterase plasmática foram obtidos antes e 5 minutos depois da administração dos medicamentos em estudo e 5 minutos depois da administração de mivacúrio. Os tempos até o início e os níveis T25, T75, T25-75 e T90 foram comparados entre si, tendo sido investigadas as diferenças entre cada paciente. Depois de registrar T90, o estudo foi terminado, tendo início a cirurgia. Resultados: O tempo até o início foi significativamente mais breve no Grupo M versus os outros dois grupos. O tempo até o início no Grupo O foi significativamente mais breve versus grupo SN. No grupo M, T25, T75, T90 e os índices de recuperação foram significativamente maiores versus Grupo NS (p < 0,001). No Grupo O, T25 e T75 foram maiores versus Grupo NS (p < 0,01 e p < 0,05,respectivamente). No Grupo M, T75, T90 e índices de retorno da anestesia foram significativamente maiores versus Grupo O (p < 0,001, p < 0,01, p < 0,001, respectivamente). Nos Grupos M e O, os níveis plasmáticos de colinesterase diminuíram significativamente (p < 0,001). Depois da administração dos medicamentos em estudo e de mivacúrio. Houve também redução na colinesterase plasmática no Grupo NS 5 minutos após a administração de mivacúrio (p < 0,001). ...

Background: We aimed to investigate the effects of metoclopramide and ondansetrone on mivacurium neuromuscular blockade. Methods: Seventy five, ASA I-II patients, aged 18-65 and scheduled for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were included in the study. The patients received metoclopramide 10 mg, ondansetrone 4 mg or normal saline 5 mL; group M, group O, group NS (n = 25), respectively. Before anesthesia study drugs were administered in a volume of 5 mL. The level of plasma cholinesterase were obtained before and 5 minutes after the administration of study drugs and5 minutes after the administration of mivacurium. Onset time, T25, T75, T25-75, T90 levelswere compared with each other and differences between each patients were investigated. After recording T90, the study was terminated and surgery was started. Results: Onset time was significantly shorter in group M, than the other two groups. Onset time in group O was significantly shorter than in group NS. In Group M T25, T75, T90 and recovery indices were significantly greater than in Group NS (p < 0.001). In Group O T25, T75 were greater than Group NS (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). In Group M T75, T90 and emergence indices were significantly higher than Group O (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). In Groups M and O, plasma cholinesterase levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after administration of study drugs and mivacurium. Plasma cholinesterase also was reduced in Group NS 5 minutes after the administration of mivacurium (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ondansetrone is believed to be more reliable agent than metoclopramide when used with mivacurium. .

Pre-emptive infiltration of levobupivacaine is superior to at-closure administration in lumbar laminectomy patients.

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial that compared the efficacy of different protocols of local tissue infiltration with levobupivacaine or levobupivacaine-methylprednisolone at the surgical site for pain relief after lumbar discectomy. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of preemptive wound infiltration with levobupivacaine and levobupivacaine-methylprednisolone at the surgical site for pain relief. Patients usually suffer significant pain after lumbar discectomy. Wound infiltration with local anesthetics with or without corticosteroids is one method to address this. A total of 100 patients were randomly allocated to five equal groups as follows: Group I had the musculus multifidi near the operated level infiltrated with 30 mL 0.25% levobupivacaine and 40 mg methylprednisolone just before wound closure; Group II had the same region infiltrated with 30 mL 0.25% levobupivacaine alone before closure; Group III had this region infiltrated with 30 mL 0.25% levobupivacaine and 40 mg methylprednisolone before the incision was made; in Group IV this region was infiltrated with 30 mL 0.25% levobupivacaine alone before incision; and in Group C (controls) this region was infiltrated with 30 mL 0.9% NaCl just before wound closure. Demographics, vital signs, postoperative pain scores and morphine usage were recorded. All four treatment groups showed significantly better results than the control group for most parameters. The treated groups had lower parenteral opioid requirements after surgery, lower incidences of nausea and shorter hospital stays. Further, the data indicate that, compared with infiltration of these drugs at wound closure, preemptive injection of levobupivacaine or levobupivacaine-methylprednisolone into the muscle near the operative site provides more effective analgesia after lumbar discectomy. Our data suggest that preemptive infiltration of the wound site with levobupivacaine alone or combined with methylprednisolone provides effective pain control with reduced opiate dose after unilateral lumbar discectomy.

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3-D CE-MRA) in the evaluation of hemodialysis access complications, and the condition of central veins in patients who are candidates for hemodialysis access.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are crucial in patients requiring long-term hemodialysis (HD). Dysfunctions of these fistulas are the most common causes of recurrent hospitalizations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and usefulness of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) in the evaluation of HD fistulas complications, and the condition of the central veins before HD access. METHODS: This study comprised 30 consecutive patients (15 females, 15 males; age range 25-66 yrs, mean +/- SD 51.2 +/- 9.9 yrs). Of 30 patients, 26 had native AV fistulas and the remaining four patients, who had a history of previous subclavian vein catheterization, were candidates for HD fistulas. Nine patients had a radiocephalic fistula, 15 had a brachiobasilic fistula, one had a saphenous vein graft, and one had brachiobasilic vein transposition. To observe the fistula complications in these cases, three-dimensional (3-D) CE-MRA using gadolinium was performed. RESULTS: The results were considered normal in three patients (10%), who were candidates for AV fistula construction; one patient had central vein occlusion due to previous catheterization. Thirteen patients (43.3%) had venous stenosis or occlusion; three of them (10%) had low CE arteries distal to fistula region, leading to ischemic complications, and six (20%) had stenosis at the fistula region. Seven patients (23.3%) had venous pseudoaneurysms, whereas two of them had both pseudoaneurysms and fistula region stenosis, and one had both venous stenosis and pseudoaneurysm. There were no adverse or allergic-like reactions or heat and taste sensations observed in our series. CONCLUSIONS: 3-D CE-MRA is a useful, safe and a practical imaging modality in complicated fistula diagnosis with fewer complications and side-effects in comparison to fistulography.