CTICasesEmbolized Fractured Thrombolysis Catheter Fragment
Imaging findings
Non-contrast CT of the chest demonstrates two separate, linear, highly dense metallic structures residing within the right lower lobe pulmonary artery. A subsequent contrast-enhanced CT of the chest confirms that one fragment is floating or suspended within the lumen of the main right pulmonary artery, while the other is lodged more distally, with multiplanar reconstructions demonstrating a thin, linear catheter body connecting the radio-opaque marker bands.
Key takeaways
Intravascular catheter fracture and embolization are rare but serious iatrogenic complications. When reviewing post-thrombolysis patients, radiologists should carefully evaluate the pulmonary vasculature for retained hardware, paying close attention to linear hyperdensities or marker bands. Multiplanar reformations are helpful to demonstrate the full length of the embolized catheter piece to assist in endovascular snare retrieval planning.
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