We review the normal vascular course and radiographic appearance of umbilical venous catheters, several common and rare anomalous positions of umbilical venous catheters, potential complications associated with umbilical venous catheters, and unusual courses of these catheters that may provide clues to the diagnosis of underlying anomalies.
The umbilical venous catheter and the umbilical artery catheter can be easily distinguished on abdominal radiographs.
The umbilical venous catheter predominantly follows an anterior and cephalad course in the midline umbilical vein until directed posteriorly in the liver, whereas the umbilical artery catheter is initially directed caudally and posteriorly to enter either the right or left iliac artery before coursing superiorly in the more posteriorly positioned aorta.