Fatal outcome of jugular vein cannulation

Retropharyngeal haematoma with subtotal upper airway obstruction after puncture attempt: a case report

Mechanical complications during central catheterisation occur in approximately 15% of cases. This report describes a potentially fatal yet avoidable complication and highlights the typical radiological features of a retropharyngeal haematoma.A patient with acute myeloid leukaemia was admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory distress immediately after an attempt to insert a subclavian catheter without ultrasound guidance. A computed tomography scan revealed nearly complete obstruction of the upper airway by a retropharyngeal haematoma, with a blush of contrast agent. There was also a mass effect on the trachea and mediastinal structures. The haematoma was caused by accidental puncture of the thyrocervical artery. The patient's condition improved following orotracheal intubation, transfusion of platelets and fresh frozen plasma, arterial radio-embolisation, and clinical monitoring of haematoma resorption, which restored airway patency.A retropharyngeal haematoma is a potentially lethal complication, and its treatment carries significant risks. Therefore, central catheter insertion should likely not be attempted without ultrasound guidance to avoid serious complications for patients.

Delayed retropharyngeal hematoma following a minor facial blunt trauma

We described the case of 75 years old male patient with an airway obstruction due to retropharyngeal hematoma that developed after a minor blunt trauma to the face. The patient was not taking any anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents and did not have any coagulopathy. This case report indicates that emergency physicians must be aware of the risk of delayed airway obstruction in elderly patients regardless of whether the patient is using anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.

Catastrophic complication of a hemodialysis catheter: A giant carotid artery pseudoaneurysm

Indwelling a hemodialysis catheter is a common practice in early care of end-stage renal disease patients. Most indwell cases were non-traumatic and non-complicated, but as in our presented case, improper placement of hemodialysis catheter can cause serious complications like pseudoaneurysm, stroke, or airway collapse. We presented a giant extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysm after an improper placement and removal of a temporary hemodialysis catheter.

Traumatic Retropharyngeal Hematoma in a Patient Taking Clopidogrel

The development of a retropharyngeal hematoma may lead to acute airway compromise requiring emergent airway stabilization. We describe the development of a retropharyngeal hematoma in an elderly woman who sustained a fall from standing approximately 10 hours prior to symptom onset who was taking the antiplatelet agents clopidogrel and aspirin. This delayed onset of rapid airway compromise secondary to a retropharyngeal hematoma following a fall in a patient taking clopidogrel is an unusual and potentially life threatening event.

Current Trends in the Management of Iatrogenic Cervical Carotid Artery Injuries

This study was undertaken to elicit the opinion of experts regarding the management of iatrogenic injury to the carotid artery. A text questionnaire was transmitted by electronic mail to members of the Western Vascular Society concerning management of iatrogenic injury to the cervical carotid artery. Participants were asked to submit information regarding practice status and their preferred choices for the management of different clinical scenarios. The scenarios were: (1) large bore sheath (> 8.5F) cannulation of the carotid artery in anesthetized patients, (2) large bore sheath cannulation of the carotid artery in an awake patient, (3) delayed recognition of a misplaced sheath by > 4 hours, and (4) arterial puncture was recognized after only the entry needle (16-gauge) was introduced but before sheath insertion. Finally, the members were asked to comment on the management of abnormal findings on duplex scanning, such as intimal flap or pseudoaneurysm. A response rate of 42% was obtained (45/106 active members). Eighty-two percent of respondents had been in practice for longer than 10 years. Eighty-nine percent had seen this complication and 29% had cared for patients in whom subsequent neurologic deficit developed. The institutional incidence of such injury was 1-5 cases per year for 82% of respondents. Sixteen-gauge needle injury was managed by immediate removal and applied pressure by 98% of respondents. When large-bore sheath injury is recognized within 1 hour of insertion, 62% of respondents would remove the sheath and hold pressure, with or without obtaining a duplex ultrasound examination. However, if injury recognition was delayed for > 4 hours, 82% would proceed to surgery. Only 26% operated on asymptomatic carotid flap found on ultrasound, while the remaining 74% would base their decision on size and flow characteristics on ultrasound. The management of pseudoaneurysm differed significantly. Whereas 31% of respondents would manage this finding expectantly, 69% would proceed to surgery regardless of size or symptoms. Despite awareness of iatrogenic injury to the cervical carotid artery, the institutional incidence remains high. Two thirds of respondents would manage a misplaced sheath in the carotid artery nonoperatively if the injury was recognized immediately. However, if injury recognition was delayed for > 4 hours, the majority of respondents would remove the sheath surgically. While the management of intimal flap largely depended on size and flow characteristics, 69% of respondents would operate on a pseudoaneurysm regardless of size or symptoms. The results of this survey may serve as a guideline for the management of this potentially devastating injury.

Hemothorax caused by replacement of hemodialysis catheter: A case report

Central venous catheters (CVC) are widely used in clinics to gain vascular access, but the risk and prevalence of catheter-related complications remains a serious issue. We report a long-term dialysis catheter accidentally inserted into the mediastinum via the right jugular vein in a hemodialysis patient. We also review complications associated with vascular catheterization and propose immediate therapeutic interventions for such cases.

[Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma: a rare differential diagnosis of acute dysphagia]

Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare but potentially fatal disease. It occurs with no underlying medical condition such as trauma, hemorrhagic diathesis, or medically induced anticoagulation.We report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with progressive dysphagia, signs of inflammation, and a reduced general health status. There was distinct hemorrhagic swelling of the posterior and lateral walls of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, as well as red discoloration of the neck. No underlying medical conditions, medications, or trauma were reported.In light of the current case and the available literature, we present the necessary diagnostic procedures and treatment options. Because the course of this disease might be fatal due to rapid airway obstruction and progressive internal blood loss, it is of utmost importance to keep this diagnosis in mind for differential diagnostic considerations.

Prospective clinical evaluation of a new manometer syringe that distinguishes pressures below 30 and above 50 mmHg

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new disposable syringe (Certofix PresSure Check [B Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany]) that serves as a manometer.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University hospital's cardiac surgery suite.

PATIENTS

21 consecutive patients with continuous invasive monitoring of central venous and arterial pressures during cardiothoracic surgery.

INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS

The Certofix PresSure Check syringe was connected to the side port of the central venous and arterial catheters.

RESULTS

Central venous pressures were correctly indicated as below 30 mmHg and arterial pressures as above 50 mmHg in all 21 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Certofix PresSure Check provides a unique way of testing whether a catheter is placed in a low or high pressure system. It can be used for identifying inadvertent arterial punctures.

Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: a case report

Introduction

Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma is an unusual condition. It has multiple aetiological factors and can present to a number of specialists including the otolaryngologist.

Case presentation

We describe a case of spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma which demonstrates the dramatic presentation and emphasises the need for a conservative approach.

Conclusion

It is important to be aware of this unusual condition with its distinct presentation. Surgical intervention should be resisted unless a treatable aetiological factor is found or airway compromise occurs. Most cases will resolve with conservative management.

Spontaneous parapharyngeal haematoma caused by a leaking vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm

We describe an unusual case of spontaneous parapharyngeal haematoma, in a patient with haemophilia. The cause was a leaking extracranial vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm eroding through the atlas at the level of the skull base. The leaking pseudoaneurysm was successfully controlled with embolisation of the vertebral artery. The haematoma caused a cerebral infarct and vocal cord paralysis, requiring external drainage and tracheostomy. This is the first reported case of a parapharyngeal haematoma originating from a vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm where imaging demonstrated a causal link.

Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma: An unusual presentation of thoracic aortic dissection

A 78-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with spontaneous ecchymosis and swelling of the neck. Ecchymosis was also evident on the posterior pharyngeal wall. A lateral soft tissue radiograph demonstrated a retropharyngeal hematoma, which was confirmed by computed tomography (CT). At this time there was no evidence of airway obstruction and she was admitted for observation. One week after admission she became acutely short of breath, and a chest radiograph at this time showed a large pleural effusion. Pleural drainage confirmed this to be a hemothorax. Subsequent CT revealed a thoracic aortic dissection with blood communicating into both the retropharyngeal space and the pleural cavity. The case highlights both an unusual presentation of thoracic aortic dissection, and also the potential for occult hemorrhage in cases of spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma.

Cerebrovascular events associated with infusion through arterially malpositioned triple-lumen catheter: report of three cases and review of literature

Analysis of 10 adult patients treated from January 1998 to November 2004 for arterial misplacement of triple-lumen catheter (TLC) during internal jugular vein cannulation was performed. Three cases that developed neurologic symptoms occurring in the context of infusion through a TLC that was arterially malpositioned are presented, along with the review of literature. In 7 patients, the diagnosis of arterial misplacement was suspected by the color or flow characteristics of blood and confirmed by a combination of blood gas analysis, connecting catheter to transducer, and/or chest film. In the remaining 3 patients, intraarterial misplacement was not suspected. In these patients, the initial review of chest films by qualified physicians prior to starting infusion failed to detect malposition of the catheter. Retrospectively, subtle clues suggestive of arterially placed TLCs were found. All 3 patients developed neurologic symptoms. Initiation of neurologic workup delayed a correct diagnosis by 6 to >48 hours. A volumetric pump was used for infusion in all patients. Of the 3 patients with neurologic symptoms, 1 recovered completely, 1 became comatose, and 1 partially improved. Based on our observations and review of literature, we conclude that cursory examination of chest films to verify proper positioning of central venous catheter attempted through the internal jugular vein may fail to detect arterial malposition. Infusion by volumetric pump precludes backflow of blood in the intravenous tubing as an indicator. Neurologic symptoms concurrent with the infusion of fluids and medication should raise suspicion of accidental arterial infusion.

Traumatic complications from placement of thoracic catheters and tubes

The volume of critically ill patients requiring stabilization in emergency departments (EDs) throughout the USA has increased from 42 million per year in 1960 to over 92 million in 1990, as reported by Goldstein [Crit Care Clinics 21(1):81-89, 2005] and Rivers et al. [Curr Opin Crit Care 8(6):600-606, 2002]. With the increase in this patient population, the number of procedures, both invasive and noninvasive, performed in the ED to improve clinical outcomes has also increased. Therefore, emergency medicine physicians must add to their repertoire the ability to recognize potentially fatal traumatic complications. This review will provide readers with imaging findings of traumatic complications from placement of thoracic catheters and tubes and briefly discuss pitfalls of performing these procedures. In particular, complications arising from placement of hemodialysis catheters, central venous catheters, Swan-Ganz catheters, chest tubes, nasogastric and feeding tubes, and endotracheal tubes will be reviewed.

Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma: a rare and critical pathology needed for early diagnosis

Retropharyngeal hematoma occurs rarely. It is located just in front of the cervical spine. Many circumstances can lead to its development. A trauma and/or anticoagulants are often key factors. The assessment must be made extremely carefully as such a hematoma can induce an airway compromise. Trauma being a key factor, it can also present with cervical spine fractures, increasing the risks. Two different cases of retropharyngeal hematomas are reported. The first case required surgical management with tracheotomy, per-oral drainage and naso-gastric tube feeding. A total recovery was obtained in 2 weeks. The second patient underwent medical treatment (methylprednisolone), and recovery was obtained in 6 days. Surgery for retropharyngeal hematoma is not always mandatory. It becomes necessary when a major dysphagia or dyspnea occurs. In other cases, medical treatment and close observation are usually sufficient.

Iatrogenic carotid artery injury in neurosurgery

Iatrogenic carotid artery injury (CAI) results from various neurosurgical procedures. A review of the literature was conducted to provide an update on the management of this potentially devastating complication. Iatrogenic CAIs are categorized according to each diagnostic or therapeutic procedure responsible for the injury, i.e., anterior cervical spine surgery, central venous catheterization, chemical substances, chiropractic manipulation, diagnostic cerebral angiography, middle-ear surgery, percutaneous procedures for trigeminal neuralgia, radiation therapy, skull-base surgery, tracheostomy, and transsphenoidal surgery. The incidence, mechanisms of injury, diagnostic imaging modalities, and reparative procedures are discussed for each procedure. Iatrogenic CAI may be more prevalent than had previously been thought, mostly because of a heightened awareness on the part of physicians and the earlier detection of asymptomatic patients owing to sophisticated and less-invasive imaging modalities. Prevention is the best treatment for every iatrogenic injury, and it is expected that further accumulation of experience with and knowledge of iatrogenic CAI will result in further reduction of this complication. Although some CAIs, such as radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis, may not be preventable, earlier intervention before the patient becomes symptomatic may favorably alter the prognosis. Following the rapid development of endovascular techniques in recent years, surgically inaccessible lesions can be treated in a more reliable and safe manner than before.

Right Versus Left Internal Jugular Vein Catheterization for Hemodialysis: Complications and Impact on Ipsilateral Access Creation

This study investigated whether the anatomical differences between right and left internal jugular vein catheterization (RJVC and LJVC) would lead to differences in the frequency of complications, in particular, central vein occlusion (CVO). A group of 479 jugular vein catheterizations, 403 RJVC and 77 LJVC done in 294 prevalent hemodialysis patients were analyzed. A right-sided carotid pseudoaneurysm was the only major puncture-related complication. A total of 78 RJVC and 17 LJVC were inserted more than once in the same position. Of the RJVC, 44 (10.9%) of 403 were removed because of infection compared with 16 (20.8%) of 77 LJVC (P < 0.02). The overall incidence of infections was 1.58 episodes of infection per 1000 catheter days, 1.57 for RJVC and 3.72 for LJVC, respectively. Catheter dwell times were not different. A group of 127 patients with former RJVC and 44 with LJVC had ipsilateral arteriovenous access (RJVC+ and LJVC+ group, respectively). Four diabetic LJVC+ developed severe arm swelling secondary to CVO leading ultimately to access ligation. The RJVC+ group had no access ligated. LJVC may cause CVO in diabetics.

Arterial misplacement of large-caliber cannulas during jugular vein catheterization: case for surgical management

BACKGROUND

Accidental placement of a large sheath or catheter in an artery during central venous cannulation, though rare, is a potentially devastating complication. The present study reviews our 14-year experience with this complication to determine appropriate role of surgical management.

STUDY DESIGN

Review was conducted of all cases involving patients treated by the vascular surgery service from July 1989 to June 2003 for accidental placement of a large-caliber cannula (>or= 7 F) in an artery during catheterization of the jugular vein. Two management techniques were used during this period: removal of cannula followed by application of local pressure; and surgical exploration, removal of cannula under direct vision, and repair of artery.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (5 men, 6 women) aged 35 to 73 years (mean age 56 years) were treated for cannulas placed accidentally in an artery. In nine patients, the cannula entered the carotid artery, and in two patients it entered the subclavian artery. Three patients had undergone placement of 8.5-F sheaths for monitoring cardiac hemodynamics, and 8 patients had triple-lumen catheters for fluid infusion or parenteral nutrition. Eight patients (three sheath, five catheter) were asymptomatic at the time of cannula removal. In three patients, the correct diagnosis was missed initially and infusion was started. All three developed neurologic symptoms. In two patients, the cannula (sheath) was pulled and pressure applied. One of them developed a stroke and the other developed a pseudoaneurysm that was treated surgically. Nine patients in whom the sheath or catheter was removed by surgical exploration had no new complications related to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management seems to be the most effective and safe treatment of arterial misplacement of cannulas during jugular vein catheterization. Further study is needed to determine the optimum management of this potentially devastating complication.

Percutaneous Subclavian Central Venous Catheterization in Children Younger than One Year of Age

Children younger than one year of age frequently require central venous lines (CVLs) for total parenteral nutrition, intravenous antibiotics, and chemotherapy. In many instances surgical cut-down has been favored over percutaneous access. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety and success of percutaneous central venous access in children less than one year of age. Percutaneous access of the subclavian vein was obtained by Seldinger technique. Using the medical procedure code index we reviewed the charts of those patients less than one year of age from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999 requiring central venous access. Age, diagnosis, number of CVLs required, site placed, success rate, and weight were recorded. In 1999 a total of 84 patients younger than one year of age received a total of 110 CVLs. In patients less than 6 months of age the success rate for percutaneous access of the subclavian vein was 78.8 per cent and for those children over 6 months the success rate was 96 per cent. The average weight for those less than 6 months was 3.1 kg and for those older than 6 months was 7.63 kg. There were no complications from the procedure. Percutaneous CVL placement in children younger than one year of age is safe and effective. This paper details our technique and reviews infant venous anatomy in the subclavian area.

Stroke after internal jugular venous cannulation

OBJECTIVE

To alert clinicians to the stroke risk associated with carotid artery injury secondary to attempted internal jugular venous (IJV) cannulation.

METHODS

Case reports and review of the literature.

RESULTS

Four patients developed a stroke following carotid artery (CA) injury during attempted IJV cannulation using the landmark technique. In all cases the arterial puncture was detected immediately and firm pressure applied for several minutes. In three cases there was evidence of intimal injury and thrombus formation. Two strokes were delayed by more than 24 h. One patient died. A review of studies describing 4487 IJV line insertion attempts using the landmark technique reveals that 5.9% of attempts are associated with CA injury.

CONCLUSION

Cannulation of the IJV using visible and palpable landmarks is associated with a risk of stroke. Arterial injury and stroke should be mentioned when consent is obtained for cannulation. Consideration should be given to a reduction of the arterial injury risk by using ultrasound guidance during line insertion.

Life-threatening airway obstruction caused by a retropharyngeal haematoma

We present the case of a 68-year-old woman who had a large cervicomediastinal haematoma that caused life-threatening airway obstruction. Retropharyngeal haematoma may occur in any age group and following a variety of causes. Retropharyngeal haematomas must be considered as a cause of airway obstruction following common injuries such as blunt cervical trauma or internal jugular vein cannulation. A high index of suspicion and early lateral neck X-ray is essential for safe management of this rare but potentially life-threatening injury.

A Reevaluation of the Radiographically Detectable Complications of Percutaneous Venous Access Lines Inserted by Four Subcutaneous Approaches

As a result of prior studies elucidating the potential complications associated with the use of central venous access lines, the Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturers themselves have published guidelines and warnings outlining these dangers and describing the safest insertion techniques. We will attempt to determine whether this improved education has altered the number and type of complications, comparing the results from different types of hospitals, among the various medical services and among operators with varying degrees of experience. This is a prospective analysis of all central venous pressure (CVP) and Swanz-Ganz catheters (SGCs) inserted between July 1, 1995, and February 30, 1996, at a regional Veteran's Affairs hospital and an inner city university medical center. Three hundred seventy-five inpatients underwent 417 new percutaneous venous catheter placements while in the medical or surgical intensive care units or in the general care wards. A portable chest radiograph was obtained immediately after each procedure, and the position of the catheter and any associated complications were recorded, initially by the radiology resident in the emergency suite and subsequently as confirmed by a chest radiology attending. CVP lines were considered malpositioned when the tip was not located in the superior vena cava, and SGCs were recorded as misplaced when the tip was not found within the main, left main, right main, or either lower lobe pulmonary artery within 2 cm of the cardiac border. For patients undergoing CVP line placement, the right atrium was the most frequent site of tip malposition with 38 of 69 total misplacements (55%), whereas for SGCs, 22 of 55 malplacements (40%) were too distal in a lower lobe pulmonary artery. Only 1 of 248 CVP lines resulted in a pneumothorax (PTX; 0.4%), whereas 6 of 169 SGC insertions caused a PTX (3.5%), a significant difference (P = 0.019). Five of 192 catheters (2.6%) placed via an internal jugular approach resulted in PTX, whereas only 2 of 150 subclavian cannulations (1.3%) caused this complication, revealing a trend, but not reaching statistical significance (P = 0.473). However, there was a significant decrease in the rate of catheter misplacements in the third part of the month compared with the first 20 days (35% versus 24%; P = 0.031), and the Veteran's Affairs hospital displayed a trend toward more complications for SGC insertions than the university hospital (47% versus 32%), but not for CVP lines. In general, individual medical and surgical services displayed a similar frequency of complications (29–38%), except for CVP lines inserted in the medical intensive care unit. Venous access catheter tip malpositions are very common in all settings, but easily recognized by radiography, whereas PTXs are unusual. In contrast to most older studies, PTXs are more frequently observed with internal jugular as opposed to subclavian cannulations and with SGCs rather than CVP lines. However, our data support prior studies that the right atrium and distal right lower lobe pulmonary artery are the most common sites for CVP and SGC misplacement, respectively, and that there is an improvement in success rates with increasing operator experience.