What is the radiographic appearance and optimal location of a central venous line (CVL) and a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?
A CVL appears as a thin, moderately radiopaque linear or curvilinear tube that usually extends centrally from a subclavian or internal jugular vein when in the chest, whereas a PICC appears as a thin radiopaque curvilinear tube that extends from the upper extremity (because it is placed peripherally within the lower arm or upper forearm usually via the basilic vein) centrally into the chest. The optimal location of the tip of a CVL and PICC is within the lower third of the SVC or at the junction of the SVC and right atrium.
