Application of upper extremity radionuclide venography as a diagnostic approach for Port-A catheter thrombosis

To investigate the role of upper extremity radionuclide venography as a potential diagnostic modality in the assessment of venous thrombosis associated with a Port-A catheter.

Fourteen symptomatic patients who had received Port-A catheter implantation were enrolled. A dynamic nuclear medicine flow study was performed with intravenous administration of Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin to both upper extremities. Imaging patterns of the venous system were categorized as patency, partial obstruction, and total occlusion.

The findings of the dynamic images clearly demonstrated clinical problems. Three patients were free of a definite venous flow change. Three patients had partial obstruction of venous return. A significant cut-off of venous return was demonstrated in 8 patients, and total occlusions were hence diagnosed. All patients underwent this procedure smoothly without any complication.

These results suggest that upper extremity radionuclide venography is an easily performed and effective method for diagnosing Port-A catheter thrombosis in clinical practice.