Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath) on X-ray: 8 real cases

Real, openly licensed radiographs showing implanted venous access port (port-a-cath). Study what to look for, then open each case and read it yourself before revealing the answer.

What to look for

  • A dense reservoir in the subcutaneous tissue of the upper chest wall.
  • A catheter runs from the reservoir into a central vein, with its tip ideally near the cavoatrial junction.
  • Look for catheter fracture, disconnection or migration (pinch-off between clavicle and first rib).

Learn: Central lines and PICCs

Quiz yourself on lines & tubes images

Cases

Radiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #129920366Lines & tubes · IntermediateRadiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #137445658Lines & tubes · IntermediateRadiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #152465237Lines & tubes · IntermediateRadiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #99576088Lines & tubes · IntermediateRadiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #3219275Lines & tubes · IntermediateRadiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #114173111Lines & tubes · IntermediateRadiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #65797243Lines & tubes · IntermediateRadiograph from the case bank: Implanted venous access port (port-a-cath)Case #65797242Lines & tubes · Intermediate

Other lines & tubes diagnoses

Diagnoses come from each image's documented source. Credits and licences are shown on each case and on the image credits page.