Acute pulmonary embolism: assessment of helical CT for diagnosis.

Purpose: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of helical computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism.

Materials And Methods: This prospective study included 47 patients who underwent pulmonary arteriography for evaluation for possible acute pulmonary embolism. Tailored helical CT and pulmonary arteriography were performed within 24 hours of each other.

Power injection of peripherally inserted central catheters.

Purpose: To study the tolerance of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) of varying sizes and materials to power injection of radiographic contrast agents.

Materials And Methods: Eight different models of silicone and five different models of polyurethane single-lumen PICCs were injected with increasing rates of iothalamate 60% with use of a power injector. Tolerated and bursting rates and pressures were recorded.

Migration of central venous catheters: implications for initial catheter tip positioning.

Purpose: To evaluate the change in position of chest wall central venous access catheters (CVACs) after placement. Complication rates associated with catheter tip position were reviewed.

Patients And Methods: Fifty patients (36 women, 14 men) with chest wall CVACs placed in the angiography suite were studied.

Long-term outcomes of radiologically placed arm ports.

Purpose: To evaluate long-term outcomes of an initial experience with radiologic placement of arm ports.

Materials And Methods: The follow-up of 46 consecutive arm port placements (44 patients) was reviewed by means of chart review (hospital, office, and clinic) in 41 patients, telephone interview in 20, physical, examination in 15, and venous ultrasound in 14. Data on port complications and function were recorded.