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

In a series of 60, consecutive patients from 1 day to 12 months of age (except for one seven-year-old) 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. (orig.)