Tunneled-cuffed catheter implanted into the accessory hemiazygos vein because of occlusion of the left innominate vein.

Hemodialyzed patients are at risk of multiple catheterizations. Nephrologists performing such procedures need to be familiar with congenital and acquired vascular abnormalities. We describe a successful insertion and use of a cuffed-tunneled catheter in a patient with unusual anatomy of the central venous system. Computed tomography angiography revealed thrombosis of the right subclavian vein and bilateral occlusion of innominate veins. The left internal jugular and subclavian veins joined to form a large vessel that drained through the accessory hemiazygos and azygos veins into the superior vena cava. The catheter was implanted through the left internal jugular vein into the accessory hemiazygos vein. The presented case demonstrates that the catheter can be implanted into distended collateral, especially when no other location is possible.

CT enteroclysis in the diagnostics of small bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND: The role of CT enteroclysis is gaining on importance in the diagnostics of small bowel diseases. The aim of the study was to present own experiences in CT enteroclysis application, with the use of a 64-detector CT unit. MATERIAL/METHODS: CT enteroclyses were performed in 60 patients: 53 with the suspicion of the Crohn's disease, 2 suspected for carcinoid, 1 with suspicion of the fistula between the small bowel and the bladder, 2 suspected for the tumor of the ileo-caecal region, and in 1 case, the aim of examination was to carry out an evaluation of the postsurgical state of the bowel-bowel anastomosis. We used own endoscopic technique of catheter insertion into the bowel, which shortens the examination time and improves patient's comfort. RESULTS: The catheter was correctly introduced into the small bowel in 58 patients (endoscopy had to be repeated in 4 cases). Only 2 examinations failed, because patients refused repeated endoscopy. Radiological signs of the Crohn's disease were found in 50 out of 53 patients. In the 3 remaining patients, the appearance of the small bowel was normal. In 5 non-Crohn's disease patients, CT enteroclysis enabled a good visualization of the pathology (tumors, fistula). CONCLUSIONS: CT enteroclysis with the use of the 64-detector CT unit is a valuable method in the diagnostics of small bowel diseases. It could supplement or precede capsule endoscopy.