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Case Reports
. 2015 Oct 30:2015:bcr2015212705.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2015-212705.

Pleural effusion caused by a malpositioned umbilical venous catheter in a neonate

Thangaraj Abiramalatha  1 , Manish Kumar  1 , Machilakath Panangandi Shabeer  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Pleural effusion caused by a malpositioned umbilical venous catheter in a neonate

Thangaraj Abiramalatha et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Umbilical venous catheterisation (UVC) insertion is a common procedure performed in most neonatal units. We report a case of a neonate who developed pleural and pericardial effusions and ascites due to a malpositioned UVC causing diaphragmatic perforation. Timely diagnosis using bedside sonography and prompt removal of the catheter resulted in resolution of the effusions without undue complications.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
X-ray showing umbilical venous catheter at the level of diaphragm and T9 vertebra.
Figure 2
Figure 2
X-ray showing bilateral pleural effusion (right>left), umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip reaching the left border of vertebral column and sharp angulation in the course of UVC.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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