No Need for Chest X-Ray After Ultrasound-Guided Right Internal Jugular Lines?

For decades, dogma has been that chest x-ray should be performed to confirm placement of all internal jugular (IJ) central lines, despite evidence that ultrasound can significantly reduce complication rates. These authors retrospectively assessed detection of complications by routine chest x-rays obtained after ultrasound-guided placement of right IJ central lines in adults at an academic tertiary hospital system.

During 2014, a total of 1322 right IJ central lines were placed with ultrasound guidance in emergency departments, intensive care units, and general wards. Overall, 97% of attempts were successful. Chest x-ray detected 1 (0.1%) pneumothorax, 13 (1.0%) misplaced catheters that required repositioning, and no arterial placements.