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Catheter‐related thrombosis in cancer patients
Author(s) -
Murray Jim,
Precious Elizabeth,
Alikhan Raza
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.12474
Subject(s) - medicine , catheter , pulmonary embolism , thrombosis , venography , asymptomatic , complication , peripherally inserted central catheter , malignancy , cancer , surgery , radiology , venous thrombosis
Summary Central venous catheters are commonly used in haematology departments for the administration of chemotherapy, blood products and parenteral nutrition in patients with haematological malignancy. Thrombosis is a recognized complication of such devices especially in oncology patients. Catheter‐related thrombi ( CRT ) may lead to pulmonary embolism and infection, as well as catheter failure and potential delays in treatment. The vast majority of CRT are asymptomatic, thus a high index of suspicion is required in making the diagnosis. Doppler ultrasound or venography may be employed to identify CRT . Once confirmed, the initiation of treatment is a balance between the risks of anticoagulation against potential complications of CRT . A number of risk factors for CRT are discussed along with an overview of catheter types, their appropriate choice and intravascular positioning.