Hemolysis in Hemodialysis, Secondary to Severe Vena Cava Stenosis

Abstract

Complications in hemodialysis patients are increasingly rare thanks to advances in technology, including more compatible membranes, more flexible lines, safety in water treatments, alarms in the circuit, and standardization in dialysate fluids plus exhaustive chemical and microbiological tests. In addition, it is highly unusual having hemolysis on hemodialysis; however, it is a life-threatening complication, so the cause must be identified and early managed. The etiology can be chemical or mechanical; however, so far, there are no reports in the literature of an association with severe stenosis of the vena cava, as it is described in the case reported here, where a patient presented hemolysis in two hemodialysis sessions, without initially being possible to find the cause; the only identifiable factor was that he had a dysfunctional tunneled jugular catheter, with a history of difficult vascular access. The patient underwent interventional radiology, finding 99% stenosis of the vena cava, which prevented the passage of the contrast agent to the atrium. Angioplasty and catheter replacement were performed, with a resolution of the complication; the subsequent dialysis therapies were satisfactory.