Formation of a calcified "cast" in a long-term indwelling central venous catheter: a case report

Abstract

Catheter-related central venous thrombosis is a complication seen with long-term indwelling central venous catheters. The uses of total parenteral nutrition, catheter location, and duration of catheter use have been shown to increase the risk of thrombus formation. However, organized calcification of such a thrombus is a rare occurrence and, to our knowledge, has never been reported in a patient unexposed to total parenteral nutrition. We report a patient with an extensive, organized, calcified "cast" surrounding a central venous catheter used solely for chemotherapy administration.