Presentation
Out-of-hours plain film requested to confirm NG tube placement. No aspirate obtained by ward staff.
Patient Data
AP chest radiograph shows poorly inflated lungs, unfolded aortic arch, in addition to a loop of hyperdense material in the cervical region of film. NG port sitting over left clavicle.
AP cervical spine film shows the feeding tube inserted into nasal cavity and looped in cervical air-spaces.
Case Discussion
Nasogastric tube placement is a common request for plain films, especially when protocols recommend it following failure to gain aspirate.
This patient was assessed by the team and the tip of the NG was indeed visible at the back of the mouth. This tube was removed and the procedure was repeated successfully.