Encefalopatia uremica in paziente in trattamento emodialitico cronico: stroke uremico? Descrizione di un caso clinico

This case report a 59 years-old male in regular dialysis treatment with neurologic emergency characterized by neurologic signs as deep sopor the cause of which was uremic encephalopathy. At presentation, laboratory investigations revealed creatinine 12,75 mg/dl, BUN 174 mg/% and hyperkalemia 7,5 mq/L. The most common abnormal test results were EEG and ECG. CT brain showed no evidence of hemorrhagic areas or hematoma subdural. The patient was treated with hemodialysis and after the first hour of hemodialysis, laboratory control revealed hypokaliemia with metabolic acidosis due to arteiovenous fistula recirculation. After placement of jugular venous hemodialysis catheter and intensive treatment, the patient showed gradual improvement of uremic stroke due to arteriovenous fistula recirculation for high grade venous stenoses. Arteriovenous fistula dysfunction remains a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis patients. The failure of a newly created AVF to mature and to develop stenosis in an estabilished AVF are two common clinical predicaments. The goal is to identify a dysfunctional AVF early enough to intervene in a timely manner, either to assist the maturation process or to prevent thrombosis. Most clinical features of neurologic complications in uremics are nonspecific and do not reliable, but it is important to identify specific causes such as vascular access recirculation for adequate treatment and regression of uremic stroke.