title: Multi-detector computed tomography venography in the assessment of dysfunction of tunneled hemodialysis central vein catheters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the value of multi-detector computed tomography venography (MDCTV) in the assessment of tunneled hemodialysis central vein catheters (CVCs) dysfunction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five patients who had tunneled CVC dysfunction without abnormality found by x-ray and ultrasound were enrolled. Anti-platelet agents, anticoagulants, and thrombolytic therapy with urokinase failed to resume normal catheter function. MDCTV was performed to observe the position of catheters and to detect central venous stenosis, thrombosis, and fibrin sheath formation. Correct intervention was given according to MDCTV results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MDCTV revealed that the catheter was malpositioned in 10 cases; there were five cases of central venous stenosis, four cases of central venous thrombosis, one case of fibrin sheath formation, and the other five had no abnormalities found. Blood flow on hemodialysis had reached over 300 mL/min after correct intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MDCTV provided a new possible way to assess dysfunction of tunneled hemodialysis central venous catheters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Tianlei
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Zhenlin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yingying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xiaoxi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Lizhu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Baihai
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Ye
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fu
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D061807:Catheter Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D062905:Central Venous Catheters; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D056824:Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014654:Vascular Patency