Diagnosis of the cause of malfunction of indwelling catheters for insulin injections by the use of digital fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous indwelling catheters are used for reducing pain when injecting insulin and other drugs. OBJECTIVE: To use digital fluoroscopy for the diagnosis of catheter malfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven children (aged 5-11 years) with diabetes mellitus were studied. They used indwelling catheters (Insuflon) for insulin injections. Contrast medium was injected into the problem catheter. RESULTS: The subcutaneous position of the catheter was correct in all cases, but we found two cases of delayed absorption caused by lipohypertrophy and one case of leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Digital fluoroscopy is a useful method for determining potential problems with indwelling catheters.