Is traditional reading of the bedside chest radiograph appropriate to detect intraatrial central venous catheter position?

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, the positioning of central venous catheters (CVCs) outside the right atrium (RA) in patients receiving intensive care is determined by surrogate landmarks on bedside chest radiographs (CXRs). The validity of this method was examined by comparing readings of radiologists with the results of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). METHODS: Prospective study at university hospital. Two hundred thirteen adults scheduled for cardiothoracic surgery were randomized to right or left internal jugular vein catheterization under ECG guidance. One senior radiologist and two radiologists in training independently read the CXRs, and determined whether the CVC tip ended in the RA and measured the vertical distance from the CVC tip to the carina (TC-distance). RESULTS: Two hundred twelve CVC tips could be identified by TEE. Only left-sided CVCs (n = 5) ended in the upper RA (2.4%). Three of those patients were shorter than 160 cm. Specificity was 94% for senior radiologist, 44% for the first radiologist in training, and 60% for the second radiologist in training. The TC-distance of intraatrial catheters was 39, 55, 59, 80, and 83 mm, respectively. Thus, a TC-distance < or = 55 mm ensured extraatrial tip position in four of five intraatrial CVCs (80%, p = 0.002). The TC-distance of extraatrial catheters ranged from - 26 to 102 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Reading of a bedside CXR alone is not very accurate to identify intraatrial CVC tip position. TC-distance is a helpful marker, and its specificity is as good as that of an experienced radiologist if a cutoff value of 55 mm is chosen.

The pivotal role of vasopressin in refractory anaphylactic shock.

BACKGROUND: Severe anaphylaxis can be associated with cardiovascular collapse that is difficult to manage and does not respond to treatment with epinephrine. Because anaphylaxis is uncommon, unpredictable and may be fatal, a prospective, randomized, controlled trial in humans on the best management is difficult and guidelines are based on theory and anecdotes only. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report six cases in which the use of vasopressin was successful in the treatment of anaphylactic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Standard treatment of anaphylactic shock, including discontinuation of the causative agent, administration of epinephrine, and infusion of IV fluids, did not stabilize cardiocirculatory function, and adding arginine vasopressors resulted in prompt hemodynamic stabilization.

Prospective clinical evaluation of a new manometer syringe that distinguishes pressures below 30 and above 50 mmHg.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new disposable syringe (Certofix PresSure Check [B Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany]) that serves as a manometer. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital's cardiac surgery suite. PATIENTS: 21 consecutive patients with continuous invasive monitoring of central venous and arterial pressures during cardiothoracic surgery. INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS: The Certofix PresSure Check syringe was connected to the side port of the central venous and arterial catheters. RESULTS: Central venous pressures were correctly indicated as below 30 mmHg and arterial pressures as above 50 mmHg in all 21 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Certofix PresSure Check provides a unique way of testing whether a catheter is placed in a low or high pressure system. It can be used for identifying inadvertent arterial punctures.

Mechanical complications and malpositions of central venous cannulations by experienced operators. A prospective study of 1794 catheterizations in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: Incidence of primary mechanical complications and malpositions associated with landmark-guided central venous access procedures (CVAP) performed by experienced operators. DESIGN: Prospective 5-year observational study on two intensive care units. INTERVENTION: Only CVAPs using Seldinger technique were evaluated. Age, gender, puncture site, number of cannulation attempts, and complications within 24 hours and malpositions were recorded. PATIENTS: 782 CVAPs in females aged 9-92 yrs and 1012 CVAPs in males aged 6-89 yrs. RESULTS: We analyzed 1794 (1017 right- and 777 left-sided CVAP), of which 87.7% were accomplished without adverse events. More than one cannulation attempt was a risk factor for failed catheterization, other mechanical complications but not for malposition. Complications/malpositions were encountered in 220 CVAPs.In 51 CVAPs (2.8%) the cannulation failed at the attempted site, here 18 CVAPs were accompanied by further complications (35.3%). Otherwise, the rate for mechanical complications was low (3.3%). The most common mechanical complications (n = 127) were arterial punctures (n = 52; 2.9%), including four arterial cannulations (0.2%), and pneumothorax (n = 9; 0.6%). There was significant risk for arterial puncture with the internal jugular vein approach in comparison to the innominate vein (p = 0.004), but not to the subclavian vein (p = 0.065). Male patients had a lower risk for failure (2.1%) than females (3.8%, p = 0.028). One-hundred-twenty-one central venous catheters were malpositioned (6.7%) of which 35 were related to the left internal jugular vein. CONCLUSIONS: Even experienced operators cause a considerable number of early mechanical complications and malpositions. After two unsuccessful cannulation attempts failure and associated complications are very likely.

Ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation: is there a difference between Doppler and B-mode ultrasound?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the success of Doppler and B-mode ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization with respect to body mass index (BMI). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Section for cardiovascular anesthesia of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 338 consenting patients were analyzed. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects receiving central venous catheters for scheduled cardiac surgery were divided into two groups. After induction of general anesthesia, the right or left IJV was assessed for midcervical cannulation approach. In the Doppler group (n = 189), a SonoGuide2 with a 5.0-MHz probe was used. In the B-mode group (n = 149), the SiteRite II ultrasound system with a 7.5-MHz transducer was used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the success rate of first needle pass between the two groups: Doppler group, 91% (172/189); B-mode group, 96.6% (144/149) (P = 0.045). A BMI of 30 and greater was associated with a significantly lower first needle pass success rate in the Doppler group (Doppler group, 77.1% [27/35]; B-mode group, 97.4% [38/39]; P = 0.011). The success rates in patients with a BMI below 30 for both methods were not different (Doppler group, 94.2% [145/154]; B-mode group, 96.4% [106/110]; P = 0.567). Arterial punctures occurred three times under Doppler guidance and twice under B-mode guidance. CONCLUSION: Cannulation of the IJV can be ensured and first needle pass success rate maximized by both ultrasound techniques. In patients with a BMI greater than 30, B-mode technique is superior to Doppler ultrasound.

[Right-sided laptop dermatitis]. / Rechtsseitige Laptop-Dermatitis.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 44-year-old man presented at a dermatologist with a 2 months history of a blue-brown reticular macule on the right thigh that had appeared spontaneously. It was neither painful nor itching and showed no growth or further colour change. INVESTIGATIONS: Punch biopsy, antinuclear antibodies, CrP, immune electrophoresis, hepatitis serology, urine diagnostics showed normal results. DIAGNOSIS: On specific inquiry the patient, a long-distance truck driver, reported to rest his laptop during driving breaks always on the right thigh. We diagnosed a "laptop dermatitis". CONCLUSION: Consider external mechanical or thermal triggers if skin changes are unilateral. Thermal isolation from permanent heat exposure prevents an erythema ab igne reliably.

[Yellow-nail-Syndrome associated with chronic sinusitis and recurrent pneumonias]. / Yellow-Nail-Syndrom.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: In a 58-year-old man progressive yellowing of all nails was associated with the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis and COPD, later the COPD exacerbated with pneumonias. INVESTIGATIONS: Repeated fungal cultures and polymerase chain reactions to detect fungal DNA in order to exclude Onychomycosis, chest X-ray, computed tomography of the lung, extended pulmonary function tests, ECG, echocardiography and abdominal ultrasonography were performed and had normal results. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Normal fingernails regrew after a 6 month-course of vitamin E intake, most of the toenails remained coloured and thickened. After the initial presentation at the dermatological outpatient department the pulmonary situation remained stable, there was no need for additional pulmonary interventions. CONCLUSION: Yellowing of all nails is a diagnostic sign of the Yellow-nail-Syndrome, which is associated with respiratory diseases, the treatment is often difficult and also an interdisciplinary approach is needed.

Doppler-guided cannulation of internal jugular vein, subclavian vein and innominate (brachiocephalic) vein--a case-control comparison in patients with reduced and normal intracranial compliance.

OBJECTIVE: A case-control comparison of Doppler guidance on the success rate of central venous cannulation in patients with normal or reduced intracranial compliance. DESIGN: A single operator performed central venous access procedures with continuous wave Doppler guidance. It was used on patients on a ventilator. The position of patients with reduced intracranial compliance (RIC) was not changed for the procedure. Patients with normal intracranial compliance (NIC) were put in the Trendelenburg position. SETTING: We prospectively evaluated 249 Doppler-guided central venous access procedures performed over a 12-month period at our 10-bed neuro-intensive care unit at a university hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: The group with RIC included 26 males and 35 females (n=61) aged 16-79 years. In this group 155 Doppler-guided cannulation procedures (62%) were performed. The group with NIC (n=52) comprised 29 males and 23 females aged 34-76 years; 94 Doppler-guided cannulation procedures (38%) were carried out. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The veins cannulated in RIC and NIC, respectively, were: right innominate vein: 24/18, left innominate vein 26/12, right subclavian vein 12/7, left subclavian vein 25/14, and right internal jugular vein 33/18 and left internal jugular vein 35/24. The absence of one left internal jugular vein was identified in the NIC group. The success rate of first needle pass in patients with RIC was 92% and in patients with NIC 89%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Doppler guidance allows the cannulation of central veins in patients with RIC placed in head-up position. Cannulation can be ensured and first-pass needle placement maximised.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis after phenytoin usage in a brain trauma patient.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a drug-induced, rare, but life-threatening skin eruption. The main differential diagnoses are drug-induced erythema (hypersensitivity syndrome), acute graft-versus-host disease, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, and toxic shock syndrome. Because the therapy for toxic epidermal necrolysis and acute graft-versus-host disease differs largely from the others, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition to a detailed medical history, skin biopsy is mandatory because the skin eruptions are not always unequivocal. Discontinuation of the causing agent is crucial, and treatment in specialized intensive care units or burn units is supportive. Currently there is no specific treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis. Advantages from corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin, and N-acetylcysteine still remain to be established by controlled trials, or have failed to prove a benefit (thalidomide). The patient presented here demonstrates the difficulties in diagnosing toxic epidermal necrolysis in a critically ill patient. A short overview of the pathogenesis and the management of toxic epidermal necrolysis is provided.

Unrecognized internal jugular vein obstruction: cause of fatal intracranial hypertension after tracheostomy?

We report an unusual case of fatal intracranial hypertension following tracheostomy due to the obstruction of the internal jugular veins (left side: thrombosis after central venous cannulation, right side: hypoplastic vein) and their collaterals. Principal cerebral outflow through the internal jugular veins can be substituted by the internal and external vertebral vein plexus because blood drains from the brain by two major routes: the internal jugular veins and the vertebral venous plexus. We suggest transcranial color-coded duplex sonography as a simple bedside method to detect patients with significant reduction of venous drainage who are at risk of developing massive cerebral venous congestion as a result of reduced intracranial elastance.

Persistent left superior vena cava: clinical implications for central venous cannulation.

In general, persistence of the left superior vena cava (LSVC), the most common anomaly of the venous circulation, is asymptomatic. Diagnosis of a catheter in a persistent LSVC is not straight forward, and a LSVC can create difficulties during central venous and pulmonary artery catheterization. We discuss the differential diagnosis of left-sided central venous catheters (CVC). Finally a directive is given to prevent dilator-induced vessel injuries. We report the cannulation of an unsuspected persistent LSVC in two patients. A dilator-induced vessel injury contributed significantly to the fatal outcome in the first case. On a plain chest X-ray, a catheter in a LSVC will run down the left mediastinal border and can be confused with other intravascular malpositions and extravascular malpositions. Contrast-enhanced lateral chest radiograph is an inexpensive and readily available method that can be used to determine exact position.

Expect the unexpected: malposition of a large-bore central venous catheter in the urinary bladder.

We report the case of a femoral vein cannulation in a critically ill trauma patient with the malposition of a large-bore central venous catheter in the urinary bladder. Recognition of the malposition was hampered by bloody tamponade of the bladder in the context of blunt thoraco-abdominal trauma with kidney and liver laceration. A high index of clinical suspicion and the institution of adequate therapy were the key to achieving a successful clinical outcome. We discuss the anatomy of femoral veins, including their close relation to a distended bladder. The application of ultrasound even in emergency situations is stressed.

Delayed diagnosis of right-sided diaphragmatic rupture.

Diaphragmatic rupture is uncommon and results from either blunt or penetrating trauma. Right-sided traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures are easily missed. We present a case of rupture of the right diaphragm, which highlights the difficulty of confirming the correct diagnosis.

Case report: the malfunctioning implanted venous access device.

Totally implanted venous access devices (VADs) are an alternative to central line placement for those patients requiring frequent intravenous access. Venous thrombosis, infection, extrusion, extravasation and occlusion are commonly encountered complications of central VADS. Fracture with embolization of implantable venous access catheter is a rare complication of this commonly used device, but it may have serious consequences. Clinical manifestation may include infraclavicular or chest pain, paraesthesias in the arm, cardiac arrhythmias, palpitation or an extra heart sound, in addition to withdrawal occlusion, swelling, and resistance to infusion. Nursing staff should be aware of these signs and symptoms and they should immediately stop any infusion if these signs and symptoms emerge. Whenever problems with a VAD occur a chest radiograph or a contrast enhanced angiographic control of the VAD is advised. This article provides two cases relating to malfunction of a VAD. Despite typical symptoms in both cases a catheter fracture with embolization was not taken into consideration, and a radiological control of the VAD was not performed. It was only by chance that the patients did not sustain any harmful sequels from the broken VAD.

Mechanical properties of Seldinger guidewires.

BACKGROUND: Almost all central venous catheters are placed using the Seldinger technique. Despite the introduction of ISO 11070 in 1998, we continue to see mechanical wire failures and their associated complications. METHODS: Seven different wire types were tested regarding their tensile strength and eight different types for their flexing performance. For each wire type six wires were assessed. Tensile strength was examined using the test method described in ISO 11070, but the test did not end at 10 N. For flexing performance testing a new apparatus, closely mimicking clinical requirements, was designed.Wires were scanned digitally after testing for measurement and analysis. RESULTS: All wire types tested, except one, consistently met ISO 11070 requirements for 10 N tensile strength. The maximum tension the wires were able to withstand ranged from 15.06 N to 257.76 N.None of the wires kinked. The monofil wires had no evidence of bending. Two core and coil wires displayed minor bending (angle 1.5°). All other wires displayed bending angles between 22.5° and 43.0°. The degree of bending was also dependent on the angle between the dilator and wire. CONCLUSION: The mechanical properties of different types of guidewires show considerable differences, not detected with current ISO 11070 based testing. Uncovering those may allow set up of clinical trials to examine whether regular use of wires with high-end mechanical properties could reduce CVC insertion-related complication rates.