An unusual complication of a central venous catheter in a neonate.
The use of central venous catheters in neonates is associated with early and late complications. It is recognized that catheter tip migration and perforation of a viscus can occur at any time with a potentially fatal outcome. We present a case in which the successful placement of a central line was followed 2 weeks later by a sudden respiratory deterioration necessitating intubation and ventilation. The catheter tip had eroded through the wall of a pulmonary artery and a bronchus into the bronchial tree. The report highlights the serious morbidity arising from the use of central venous lines in neonates and stresses the importance of X-rays in establishing the correct position of all catheters. A sudden change in the condition of a patient should raise the suspicion of a catheter-related problem.
Cupitt
J M
JM
Department of Anaesthetics, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 8NR, UK.
D001980:Bronchi / Q000293:injuries*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology