Massive hemothorax in a child after removal of subclavian vein catheter

Abstract

A case is described where a near-fatal hemothorax developed in a child (age 13 months) right after the removal of the subclavian vein catheter. The catheter was introduced a week earlier and it had functioned without disorder. The possible mechanism of the complication is discussed. Even though this kind of complication is very rare, we recommend that the patients, especially children, must be carefully watched also after removal of the subclavian vein catheter to find a possibly life-threatening complication immediately.