Sonographic diagnosis of catheter malposition in a patient with postoperative plexus lesion after right internal jugular vein catheterization

Postoperative brachial plexus lesion has been reported only rarely after catheterization of the right internal jugular vein [RIJV], and then is usually considered to be the result of puncture hematoma. We here present the case of plexus brachialis injury after catheterization of the RIJV with ultrasonography showing direct compression of the plexus brachialis by a central venous catheter without evidence of puncture hematoma. Every case of plexus brachialis injury after catheterization of the RIJV should be followed up by an emergency sonogram to rule out hematoma or catheter malposition