Lipid Infusion Through Malpositioned Central Venous Catheter: Head Ultrasound Features

Abstract

Properly placed central venous catheters have been effective in establishing prolonged access for total parenteral nutrition infusion in ill neonates.  However, malposition of the catheter may lead to lethal complications.  Malposition and infusion into the epidural venous plexus is most commonly diagnosed on the basis of radiographs and has been confirmed by lumbar puncture.  Several studies describe catheter malposition and associated complications.  None, however, demonstrate head ultrasound features.   We present sonographic findings in a patient who received hyperalimentation for 15 days through a malpositioned lower extremity peripherally inserted central venous catheter.