Central venous access is increasingly becoming the domain of the
radiologist, both in terms of the insertion of
central venous catheters (CVCs) and in the subsequent management of these lines. Malposition (means
catheter lies outside of
Superior Vena Cava) may be associated with
catheter insertion and may require immediate intervention. Despite careful placement using proper landmarks and
technique, it might be associated with
hematoma formation at insertion site,
pneumothorax, inadvertent arterial
puncture,
hemothorax,
chylothorax, extravasation of infusate,
pleural effusions,
sepsis,
thrombosis and
cardiac tamponades. This
report highlighted a case of a malpositioned
central venous catheter leading to extravasation of infusate in subcutaneous plane. Everyone should be aware of the
complications and monitor consistently appropriate position of
catheter tips.