Journal of thoracic imaging
-
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of radiographically evident central venous catheter misplacement in the azygos arch and to analyze whether the frequency of azygos arch cannulation is dependent on the anatomical site of catheter insertion. We reviewed 1,287 postprocedural examinations and 3,441 follow-up examinations. Catheters had been inserted through the left (6%) or right (15%) internal jugular veins and through the left (32%) or right (46%) subclavin veins. ⋯ Azygos arch cannulation is a rare but hazardous central venous catheter malposition that occurs early after catheter insertion and carries a substantial risk for complication. The risk for azygos arch cannulation is substantially increased if catheters are inserted in left-sided veins. Because of the severity of subsequent complications, radiologists should be vigilant in the detection of this rare malposition.