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Pediatric Radiology

Published in:

01-02-2004 | Original Article

Intravascular linear thrombus after catheter removal: sonographic appearance mimicking retained catheter fragment

Authors: Osnat Konen, Alan Daneman, Jeffrey Traubici, Monica Epelman

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 2/2004

Abstract

Background

A common complication of central catheters is vascular thrombosis. We have observed that the remaining thrombus can sonographically simulate the appearance of the catheter itself, suggesting that the catheter may have broken.

Objective

To describe the difference in the sonographic appearance of an intravascular linear thrombus and a retained catheter.

Patients and methods

The study comprised 11 infants who were born between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2001 and had at least one sonographic examination after removal of a central venous or arterial catheter, in whom a residual thrombus had a sonographic appearance simulating the appearance of the catheter itself.

Results

In all of our cases the thrombus appeared as two parallel hyperechoic lines. In comparison to the sonographic appearance of a true catheter, these lines were less sharply demarcated, not quite geometrically parallel, less echogenic, and did not shadow or have reverberation artifacts.

Conclusions

Although the sonographic appearance of a residual linear thrombus may closely resemble the sonographic appearance of a retained catheter fragment, appreciation of the subtle differences between the two is important, and could obviate the necessity for more invasive procedures.

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Title: Intravascular linear thrombus after catheter removal: sonographic appearance mimicking retained catheter fragment
Authors: Osnat Konen
Alan Daneman
Jeffrey Traubici
Monica Epelman
Publication date: 01-02-2004
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 2/2004
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-1084-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Intravascular linear thrombus after catheter removal: sonographic appearance mimicking retained catheter fragment

Abstract

Background

Objective

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

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