title: Life threatening mediastinal haematoma: a complication of central venous catheterization.
abstract: Central venous catheterization (CVC) has established risks and benefits in its application as a vascular access source, particularly in situations involving temporary cannulation. We present a rare case of life-threatening mediastinal haematoma resulting from CVC usage. Even though aggressive intervention yielded survival, the patient was left with permanent vocal compromise owing to traumatic palsy of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. One should be careful in selection of venous access and be aware of alternatives routes.
authors.affiliation: Aga Khan University, Karachi.
authors.forename: Omer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ashraf
authors.forename: Hasanat
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sharif
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*