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Ultrasound-guided guidewire maneuver to resolve peritoneal drainage catheter obstruction in an infant: A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Peritoneal drainage failure is a rare but important complication in pediatric patients, and identifying its underlying cause is crucial for safe and timely management. We report a 7-month-old female infant with trisomy 13 and tetralogy of Fallot who developed respiratory failure secondary to ascites and underwent peritoneal drainage under ultrasound guidance. When drainage subsequently failed, ultrasound revealed a membranous soft-tissue structure-suspected omentum-protruding through a catheter side hole. Conventional maneuvers, including saline flushing and positional changes, were ineffective. Under real-time ultrasound visualization, a guidewire was gently advanced, restoring the membrane to its original position and re-establishing drainage. The catheter was safely removed later the same day without complications. This case illustrates the value of ultrasound for real-time diagnosis and management of catheter obstruction and suggests that a guidewire-based approach may serve as a practical and safe option when standard techniques fail.

Source: Radiology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.01.027

Authors: Riu Homma, Watanabe Toshihiko, Toru Futami, Bin Yamaoka, Keiichi Motoyama

Institution: Ibaraki Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Ultrasound in Clinical Applications

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600