Fig9: Fluoroscopic image of a tunnelled catheter in a 2-year-old child. The catheter has twisted in the soft tissues of the neck, causing the catheter tip to be partially withdrawn (arrow)

Barnacle A, Arthurs OJ, Roebuck D, Hiorns MP - Pediatr Radiol (2007)

Bottom Line: Central venous access is increasingly becoming the domain of the radiologist, both in terms of the insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) and in the subsequent management of these lines.This article seeks to provide an overview of the CVC types available for paediatric patients and a more detailed explanation of the spectrum of complications that may lead to catheter malfunction.A standard catheter contrast study or 'linogram' technique is described.

Affiliation: Radiology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK.

Abstract: Central venous access is increasingly becoming the domain of the radiologist, both in terms of the insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) and in the subsequent management of these lines. This article seeks to provide an overview of the CVC types available for paediatric patients and a more detailed explanation of the spectrum of complications that may lead to catheter malfunction. A standard catheter contrast study or 'linogram' technique is described. The normal appearances of such a study and a detailed pictorial review of abnormal catheter studies are provided, together with a brief overview of how information from catheter investigations can guide the management of catheter complications.