J-wire in the IVC

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

"What wire?"

Patient Data

Age: adult
Gender: Male

CT abdomen / pelvis

ct

Selected coronal reformats of the abdomen demonstrate a J-tipped wire projecting down from the right atrium, into the IVC to end in the right iliac vein. 

Case Discussion

This patient was transfered to the ICU from another hospital, and a CT obtained for assessment of abdominal sepsis. The J-shaped tip gave the game away... a right jugular CVC had been placed, and the wire used for the insertion pushed in with the catheter. 

This guide wire was successfully retrieved from the groin with a snare, without complication.

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