Intrapericardial infusion of 5-fluorouracil. An unusual complication of a Hickman catheter.
Venous access devices (VAD) have become an important tool in the management of patients with cancer. Multiple complications can occur as a consequence of insertion of a VAD. The authors report a case of a Hickman catheter perforating the wall of the superior vena cava into the pericardium, resulting in accidental intrapericardial infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Pericarditis and cardiac arrhythmias developed, but the patient did not have cardiac tamponade. She recovered from the event without apparent chronic cardiac dysfunction.
Cathcart-Rake
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Mowery Clinic, Salina, KS 67401.
Mowery
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D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000209:etiology*; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000293:injuries*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology*
D005472:Fluorouracil