Unanticipated complication of a malpositioned central venous catheter

Abstract

We report an unusual complication that occurred late in the postoperative period, due to a damaged and malpositioned peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) used for central venous pressure monitoring during esophagocoloplasty and for postoperative parenteral nutrition. On the seventh postoperative day, the development of a leak from the neck wound coincided with the administration of intravenous fluids via the PICC. The leak had occurred as a result of slow erosion of the left internal jugular vein (IJV) by the damaged edges of the catheter.