The malposition of central venous catheters in children

Contemporary medical care, especially in the field of pediatrics often requires central venous line (CVC - Central Venous Catheter) implantation for carrying out treatment. Some conditions are treated intravenously for several months, other require long-term venous access due to periodical administration of medications or daily nutritional supplementation.

A total number of 309 CVCs were implanted at Children's University Hospital in Cracow between January 2011 and December 2012 (24 months). Malposition of the CVC is not common. The target of our article was to present two rare cases of malposition of catheters and two displacements of catheter due to chest tumors, and to enhance the importance of differential diagnostic imaging when difficulties occur.

CVC malposition was detected with different imaging modalities followed by appropriate medical procedures.

In case of any difficulties with central lines, it is necessary to investigate the underlying cause. The central line team at hospital cooperating with other specialists is needed to detect complications and to prevent them.