Fatal right ventricular thrombus secondary to Hickman catheterisation

Abstract

Complications arising from central venous cannulation include sepsis, thrombosis and trauma. Total parenteral nutrition via a Hickman catheter is an accepted therapeutic technique. Cases of catheter-related thrombus within the right atrium have been described, primarily in premature infants, although a recent case has been reported in an adult. We describe the presence of a fatal right ventricular thrombus in a female with an infected Hickman catheter.