Pilot study of noninvasive detection of venous occlusions from central venous access devices in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background. Survivors of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) are at risk of venous occlusion induced by central venous access devices (CVADs). A sensitive, noninvasive screening technique to identify the magnitude of this problem is needed. Ultrasound (US) cannot always adequately image the innominate veins or the superior vena cava. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can be noninvasive and may be useful for screening these patients. Objective. We examined the suitability of US and MRA to identify venous occlusion. Materials and methods. We used MRA and ultrasound to examine 11 pediatric patients previously treated for ALL. CVADs had been in place a median of 2.5 years (range, 0.4–2.8 years) and removed a median of 2.1 years (range, 0.6–2.9 years) previously. We also performed 2D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF MRA) on two healthy young adult women with no history of venous abnormality or CVAD use. Results. MRA suggested central venous abnormalities in 8 of the 11 ALL survivors and in both healthy control subjects. US results were negative in all 11 survivors. Conclusion. Further investigation is warranted to develop a sensitive and specific noninvasive method for identifying venous occlusion caused by prior CVAD use. Such a method would allow prospective studies of this complication in pediatric ALL survivors.