title: A case of non-lethal pulmonary air embolism after leukapheresis catheter removal.
abstract: Mononuclear cell leukapheresis requires good-quality venous access. Catheter placement and removal of the catheter may be associated with life-threatening local or systemic complications. Thus, prompt recognition of these complications and appropriate therapy can be life-saving. We report the case of a young man who presented with an air embolism following removal of a jugular venous catheter after peripheral blood stem cell collection. We have reviewed the signs and symptoms presented by the patient and the methodology used to remove the catheter. Catheter removal requires careful attention in order to avoid potentially serious complications.
authors.affiliation: Centre de Transfusió i Banc de Teixits, Unitat de Badalona, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain. jgrifols@ns.hugtip.scs.es
authors.forename: Joan-Ramon
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Grífols
authors.forename: Christelle
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferrà
authors.forename: Juan-Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sancho
authors.forename: Misericordia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pujol
authors.forename: Josep-Maria
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ribera
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D007937:Leukapheresis; D008297:Male; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology