Introduction Central vein stenosis is not a rare problem in patients on dialysis. Placement of a central vein catheter for dialysis access substantially increases the risk of central vein stenosis. However, even in patients without a previous history of central vein catheter placement, a stenosis can be found in up to 40% of patients. Case presentation We report the case of a 60-year-old male Caucasian German dialysis patient who complained of dry cough, swelling of his right arm and facial edema. Computed tomography venography showed a near-total stenosis of his brachiocephalic vein. We discuss the incidence and risk of central vein stenosis in patients on dialysis and report on a successful minimally invasive interventional treatment. Conclusion Central vein stenosis is not a rare problem in patients on hemodialysis and can even occur without previous placement of central venous catheters. High shunt volumes seem to increase the risk associated with central vein catheters.
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