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. 2014 Apr;7(2):194-6.
doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfu006. Epub 2014 Feb 13.

Rare complication of a dialysis catheter insertion

Santhanakrishnan Balasubramanian  1 , Sanjay Gupta  2 , Marcus Nicholls  3 , Paul Laboi  1
Affiliations

Rare complication of a dialysis catheter insertion

Santhanakrishnan Balasubramanian et al. Clin Kidney J. 2014 Apr.

Abstract

Insertion of a dialysis catheter is a very common procedure in renal medicine, which is associated with one or more complications in ∼15% of patients. Central venous catheter vascular erosion is a rare but serious complication, the incidence appears to be between 0.4 and 1% which can be difficult to diagnose, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a persistent left-sided superior vena cava (PLSVC) and a possible central venous catheter vascular erosion following insertion of a left-sided internal jugular dialysis catheter. We discuss the mechanisms, diagnosis and measures to limit vascular erosion and also briefly discuss PLSVC.

Keywords: dangerous complication of dialysis catheter insertion; persistent left-sided superior vena cava; rare complication of central venous catheter insertion; vascular erosion.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Chest X-ray postero-anterior view (on the left) demonstrating the dialysis catheter in the left hemithorax and (on the right) demonstrating cardiomegaly, left-sided pleural effusion and left-sided surgical emphysema.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Computerised tomography chest demonstrating dialysis catheter position, pericardial and pleural effusion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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