title: Caval perforation with bronchial communication: a rare complication of long-term venous access.
abstract: Superior vena cava (SVC) perforation with bronchial communication is a very rare complication of long-term venous access. A patient recently presented with erosion of a venous port catheter into a bronchus, with infusion of medications into the bronchus and associated SVC syndrome. A high position of the catheter tip against the wall of the SVC and the beveled style of cut on the catheter tip contributed to this complication. A unique combination of percutaneous techniques was helpful in managing this complication, and surgery was avoided.
authors.affiliation: Associated Radiologists, Ltd., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 556, Little Rock, AK 72205-7199, USA.
authors.forename: Larry A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Mir A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alikan
authors.forename: Paulette
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Culp
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001980:Bronchi / Q000293:injuries*; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016157:Vascular Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000293:injuries*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology*