title: Widened mediastinum in acute trauma: a complication of central venous catheterization.
abstract: We report a case of mediastinal widening simulating aortic rupture and resulting from fluid infused into the mediastinum via a percutaneously placed subclavian pulmonary artery introducer sheath in an acutely injured patient. The use of such catheters for resuscitation of acutely injured patients is presented, along with reported complications and their diagnosis. Necessary precautions during the use of these catheters are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Trauma, Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, New York 11554.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lacqua
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sahdev
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D012151:Resuscitation