title: Inadvertent puncture of the thoracic duct during attempted central venous catheter placement.
abstract: We report a case of puncture of the thoracic duct during left subclavian vein catheterization on the intensive care unit. Computed tomography and measurement of the triglyceride levels in the aspirated fluid proved the inadvertent penetration of the guidewire into the thoracic duct. Early recognition of central line misplacement avoided serious complications. Inadvertent central venous catheter placement into the thoracic duct may have the potential complications of infusion mediastinum and chylothorax.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum Humboldt-Universität zu, Berlin, Augusten berger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. ulf.teichgraeber@charite.de
authors.forename: Ulf K M
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Teichgraber
authors.forename: Lutz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nibbe
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gebauer
authors.forename: Hans-Joachim
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Wagner
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*