Open AccessPlacement of a peripherally inserted central catheter into the azygous vein
Author(s) -
Franklin Iain,
Gilmore Christopher
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of medical radiation sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2051-3909
pISSN - 2051-3895
DOI - 10.1002/jmrs.98
Subject(s) - medicine , peripherally inserted central catheter , catheter , perforation , surgery , thrombus , vein , fistula , radiography , radiology , punching , materials science , metallurgy
Peripherally inserted central catheters ( PICC ) are used for a variety of infusion therapies. They are indicated in patients requiring long‐term venous access. Incorrect positioning of the insertion of a PICC line is one of the known complications when inserting the device in clinical practice. Radiographers once performing imaging will commonly check if the tip of a PICC has entered the superior vena cava. This case study will report on a lesser known incorrect placement of a PICC line into the azygous vein and how this can be detected on radiographic imaging. This outcome for the patient can be detrimental as it has an increased risk of perforation, thrombus, and fistula formation.