Aneurysm of antecubital vein: an unusual complication of peripheral intravenous cannulation.
BACKGROUND
Intravenous cannulation is a very common procedure. Venous aneurysm secondary to peripheral intravenous cannulation is extremely rare. Moreover, venous aneurysm can mimic other conditions and may confuse the issue.


METHODS
We describe a case of a 45-year-old woman who was referred with the diagnosis of varicose vein of right arm. A history of intravenous cannulation at the same site was noted that raised suspicion. The swelling was compressible and turned out to be a venous aneurysm. The lesion was completely excised. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Histology findings were in conformity with the preoperative diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Caution should be exercised in diagnosing varicose vein at a site that bears a history of intravenous cannulation. The case also raises an important issue regarding consent. Should patients undergoing peripheral intravenous cannulation be warned of this rare complication?
Debnath
Debasish
D
Department of Surgery, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK. d.debnath@mail.com
Wallace
Stuart
S
Mylona
Evangelia
E
Myint
Fiona
F
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000175:diagnosis; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D014680:Veins