Use of Computed Topography to Locate a Sheared Epidural Catheter

On knots in epidural catheters: a case report and a review of the literature

“…5,14 CT scans have been performed to locate sheared, entrapped or looped catheters. 16,31,32 Magnetic resonance imaging might provide more precise information but its use for this indication has not been reported to date. Ultrasound imaging does not provide much useful information.…”

Management of the sheared epidural catheter: is surgical extraction really necessary?

“…Nevertheless, many clinicians do not advocate MRI as the first diagnostic test because of the theoretical risk of thermal injury, dislodgment, or movement [30,31]. It has been suggested that CT be used to analyze entrapped catheters [32,33]. A CT scan would be preferable to fluoroscopy because of higher resolution, and if it is available quickly, it may be the best test.…”

A sheared Racz catheter in cervical epidural space for thirty months: a case report

“…For definite evaluation, computed tomography (CT) is the most recommended method, while the use of MRI is controversial. Theoretically, MRI can cause neural damage via thermal injury by a metallic catheter, and dislocation of ferromagnetic catheters [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. However, in cases that were evaluated by MRI, there was neither dislocation of the catheter, nor any neurologic sequela [ 7 , 8 ].…”