Total intravenous hyperalimentation (TIH) complications in childhood: a radiological survey

Sixty consecutive patients, except for one 7-year-old patient, their ages varying from 1 day to 12 months received total intravenous hyperalimentation (TIH). It was possible to observe non-pathological catheter malpositions and, in 14 patients, other complications. The most serious complications observed included the following: thrombus and pericatheter thrombus calcification; superior vena cava thrombotic occlusion; hydrothorax; mediastinal effusion; generalized septic arthritis; venous transfixion with flooding of the soft tissues of the neck; vein wall lesions; collateral vertebral circulation; and a catheter tip blocked in vein. A brief comment is given on the use of this procedure and what may happen.