title: Catheter-related septic central venous thrombosis--current therapeutic options.
abstract: Central venous catheter-related infection and evidence for central venous thrombosis developed in five patients. On the basis of ongoing bacteremia after catheter removal and venographic confirmation, catheter-related septic central venous thrombosis (CR-SCVT) was confirmed. These patients were treated successfully with anticoagulation and antibiotics; none required surgical exploration or drainage.CR-SCVT is a complication of modern venous access techniques and is easily confused with sepsis from other anatomic sites. Even when recognized antemortem, CR-SCVT carries an excessive morbidity and mortality. The therapy for this complication is not standardized, but catheter removal, anticoagulation and a prolonged course of antibiotics are appropriate initial therapy. Surgical vein ligation or excision are reserved for refractory sepsis or abscess formation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*