Malpositioned nasogastric tube

Case contributed by Chris Newman
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Check nasogastric tube position for feeding.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

The nasogastric tube is malpositioned. It initially courses into the left main bronchus where it kinks and turns back on itself and then subsequently enters the right main bronchus.

A left-sided PICC line is noted, which is appropriately positioned.

Case Discussion

It is relatively common for nasogastric tubes to be malpositioned, however this case demonstrates a very unusual occurrence of the tube entering first the left, and then the right main bronchus.

The tube was required for feeding purposes and the clinical unit was notified to remove and re-insert it before initiating feeds.

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