Case report: central venous catheter fracture due to compression between the clavicle and first rib.
A central venous catheter inserted via the subclavian route may be compressed by the clavicle and adjacent first rib. This appearance on a radiograph has been previously described as the 'pinch-off sign' and indicates the need to remove the catheter, due to a significant risk of subsequent fracture. A case and its management are presented, followed by discussion of the radiographic appearances and their cause.
Department of Radiology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds.
W H
WH
Ramsden
A T
AT
Cohen
K S
KS
Blanshard
D000328:Adult; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012272:Ribs / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*