[Peripheral venous catheter embolism].
The accidental embolization of peripheral venous catheter fragments seems to be a rare event. Removal of the catheter embolus is usually recommended, because of the high morbidity and mortality rates from sepsis, perforation, thrombosis and arrhythmias. We report a case, in which the diagnosis was made 17 years after the embolization by the means of a systematic chest X-ray. The use of spiral CT scan with computerized post-processing 3D reconstruction confirmed the diagnosis. Because of good tolerance during this very long term, a not-to-treat decision was taken.
Département d'anesthésie-réanimation, Lyon, France.
J Y
JY
Ranchère
P
P
Thiesse
B
B
Gordiani
M
M
Pérol
D000328:Adult; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004617:Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed