Radiologic appearance of compromised thoracic catheters, tubes, and wires

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Thoracic Radiology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• The acute care setting frequently utilizes invasive devices such as catheters, tubes, and wires.
• Ensuring the correct placement and integrity of these devices is critical for patient safety and effective treatment.
• Radiological imaging plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of these devices in critically ill patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the radiographic findings associated with the placement and integrity of catheters, tubes, and wires in the chest.
• To illustrate common and uncommon complications related to these devices.
• To provide a comprehensive overview for radiologists interpreting imaging in the acute care setting.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiographic findings in the acute care setting.
• Inclusion of common and uncommon examples and illustrations of device-related issues.
• Focus on integrity and correct placement of chest tubes, central lines, and other intravascular/intratracheal devices.

Main Results:

• Radiographic assessment is essential for confirming device position and identifying malposition or complications.
• Common complications include pneumothorax, hemothorax, and incorrect tip location.
• Uncommon complications encompass device migration, kinking, and associated injuries.

Conclusions:

• Radiology is indispensable for the safe management of patients with indwelling thoracic devices.
• Familiarity with a wide spectrum of potential complications is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.
• This review serves as a guide to recognizing and managing device-related abnormalities on chest imaging.