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Case Reports
. 2021 Feb;21(1):81-85.
doi: 10.17245/jdapm.2021.21.1.81. Epub 2021 Jan 29.

Massive hemothorax after central venous catheter insertion in a patient with multiple trauma

Affiliations
Case Reports

Massive hemothorax after central venous catheter insertion in a patient with multiple trauma

Jeong Heon Park et al. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is commonly used in the operating room and intensive care unit to monitor central venous pressure and secure an intravenous route to deliver medications and nutritional support that cannot be safely infused into peripheral veins. However, CVC insertion may be associated with serious complications such as arterial puncture, hematoma, pneumothorax, hemothorax, catheter infections, and thrombosis. Several methods have been recommended to prevent these complications. Here we report a case of massive hemothorax caused by attempts of CVC insertion into the internal jugular vein and subclavian vein in a patient with multiple trauma. CVC placement should be performed or supervised by an experienced physician to decrease the incidence of CVC-related complications. CVC insertion under ultrasound guidance is recommended.

Keywords: Catheterization; Central Venous Catheters; Hemothorax; Ultrasonography.

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Conflict of interest statement

NOTEThe authors have no funding or conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Preoperative radiographs of the patient. T11 Spine body fracture, blow-out fracture of the right maxilla, and right femur shaft fracture.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Intraoperative chest radiograph (PA view, prone position) showing massive hemothorax in the right lung field.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Postoperative chest computed tomography showing contrast media leakage in the right supraclavicular area and massive hemothorax.

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