Common and uncommon complications of totally implantable central venous ports: a pictorial essay.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to present the characteristic radiologic features of common and uncommon complications in totally implantable central venous ports.


METHODS
The authors reviewed 138 implantations of central venous ports in oncologic patients during an 18-month period and present the characteristic imaging features of the complications detected.


RESULTS
All chest ports were placed via the internal jugular vein using both fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. The technical success rate was 99.3% (137/138). All catheter or port-related complications were retrospectively assessed. Sixteen complications were detected during the follow-up period, and catheter removal was required in 10 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Image-guided central venous port catheter implantation is a very safe procedure with a low rate of complications. The typical imaging features of common and uncommon complications are very helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis and thus tailoring the appropriate therapy.
Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Stavrakia, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. perdikakis_ev@yahoo.gr
Evangelos
E
Perdikakis
Elias
E
Kehagias
Dimitrios
D
Tsetis
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061807:Catheter Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D062905:Central Venous Catheters; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010690:Phlebography; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D056824:Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents