Brachial pseudoaneurysm associated with median nerve injury as a complication of peripherally inserted central catheter: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) have been increasingly used as an alternative to conventional central venous catheters for long-term administration of chemotherapy, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, and hydration in patients with diffi cult venous access. Traumatic complications to arteries and nerves adjacent to veins selected for PICC placement have been rarely described. Case presentation: We report the case of a PICC placement in the brachial vein of the right upper limb of a 78-year-old woman that resulted in brachial artery pseudoaneurysm and median nerve lesion. Discussion: The pseudoaneurysm was successfully repaired with thrombin injection, but neurological defi cits to the hand resulting from nerve injury persisted even four months after the procedure.