[Spiral x-ray computed tomography in the diagnosis of central venous catheterization complications]

In this work we report our initial experience on the utilisation of the spiral tomodensitometry in the study of the vascular complications due to the catheterization of the internal jugular vein. We present the results of a systematic search of vascular lesions after removal of an indwelling catheter in a group of 18 patients and describe a few cases of acute complications where the use of TDMS has been very useful in the diagnostic workout. The results confirm the risks associated with the catheterization of the internal jugular vein, showing a frequency of lesions of various degree in about 50% of the cases. Moreover, we discuss some aspects of the thrombotic complications in the patients carrying a central venous catheter and the advantages of the diagnostic application of the spiral tomodensitometry.