Ultrasound-Guided IV Catheter Placement Increases Risk for CT Contrast Extravasation

Computed tomography (CT) scans in the emergency department (ED) frequently require intravenous (IV) contrast. In some patients, a standard IV catheter may be difficult to place (via visual or tactile means). Emergency physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, and medical assistants are increasingly being trained in the use of ultrasound for the placement of these catheters, which allows for IV access even in these patients.

These researchers reviewed six years' worth of CT scans with IV contrast at a single tertiary care ED to determine the prevalence of contrast extravasation in patients with ultrasound-guided and standard IV catheter placement. They then performed a multivariate logistic regression, controlling for a number of patient factors, to…