Mandatory Stent Removal for Eradication of Infection in a Hemodialysis-Dependent Patient: A Case Report

TL;DR

A hemodialysis patient with a stent infection needed the stent removed to clear the infection, showing the importance of quick action in such cases.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on managing infected hemodialysis access stents.

Findings

The patient's infection resolved only after stent removal, despite antibiotic treatment.

Stent infection should be considered in febrile dialysis patients with recent venous interventions.

Prompt stent removal may be necessary for source control in immunocompromised patients.

Abstract

Venous stent infection is a rare but serious complication in hemodialysis patients, associated with significant morbidity. Early recognition and management remain challenging due to the nonspecific presentation. A 29-year-old female on maintenance hemodialysis presented with fever and leukocytosis following cephalic arch venoplasty and stent placement. Despite targeted intravenous antibiotics, she failed to improve clinically. Subsequent stent removal was performed, leading to resolution of the infection. This case underscores the importance of considering stent infection in febrile dialysis patients with recent venous intervention. It highlights that in immunocompromised hosts, prompt stent removal may be necessary for source control when medical therapy fails. This report adds to the limited literature on the management of infected hemodialysis access stents.

Figures