Obstructed Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chronic renal failure. Catheter inserted for peritoneal dialysis 1 month ago. Now "blocked".

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Male

Catheter has a horizontal course through the anterior abdominal wall and then turns abruptly vertically to pierce the rectus muscles. It is at this point that the catheter is kinked. Intra-peritoneal portion of the catheter is in satisfactory position.

Case Discussion

CT is very useful (especially volume rendered images) to assess the position, course and integrity of catheters such as a Tenckhoff.

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