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


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that upper extremity radionuclide venography is an easily performed and effective method for diagnosing Port-A catheter thrombosis in clinical practice.
Wang
Yuh-Feng
YF
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC. nment@ms7.hinet.net
Cherng
Shiou-Chi
SC
Chiu
Jainn-Shiun
JS
Su
Yu-Cheih
YC
Sheu
Yu-Tsan
YT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods*; D011875:Radionuclide Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*