Chest radiograph unknown 7

Anshuman Bansal

JHU SOM

abansal1@jhmi.edu

David Marker

JHU SOM

dmarker@jhmi.edu


Publication Date: 2009-09-09

Findings

This is a chest x-ray of a patient who was in the ICU.

  1. There is a central line that has been inserted into the patient. Can you tell which vessel(s) the central line is likely in?

    Right subclavian artery and aorta

    Incorrect. Central catheters are most commonly inserted into a large vein. Try again!
    Right subclavian vein, brachiocephalic vein, and superior vena cava

    Correct! The line has been inserted into the left subclavian vein and has been passed centrally so that the distal tip sits at the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium.
    Right external jugular vein, brachiocephalic vein, and superior vena cava

    Incorrect. Although the external jugular is a commmon site for insertion of central lines, the position of the catheter indicates that it is likely in another vessel. Try again!
    Internal thoracic artery

    Incorrect. This is a venous catheter. Try again!