Checking placement of a central venous line (CVL) on a chest radiograph (CXR)

In order to be able to make sense of the course and appearance of a CVL on a CXR, you need to review and understand the normal anatomy of the vascular structures of the neck, subclavian region, mediastinum and heart. On this website, we will review the normal vascular anatomy of this region and then describe an organized approach to analysis of CVL appearance on CXR, focusing on abnormal courses and their causes. When you are ready, click the 'Cases' button to try your luck on some abnormal line placement cases.

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