Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU
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The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate and determine criteria for locating acquired arteriovenous fistulas using color Doppler sonography. ⋯ Fistula sites can be located effectively and quickly by a combination of major and minor diagnostic criteria. The major diagnostic criteria are (1) junction of low- and high-resistance flow in the supplying artery, (2) a high-velocity arterialized waveform in the draining vein, and (3) a turbulent, high-velocity flow spectrum at the junction of the artery and the vein. The minor diagnostic criteria are (1) direct communication between the involved artery and vein, (2) significant change in the diameter of the supplying artery, (3) a focal point of venous dilatation, and (4) a focal perivascular color artifact.