Case report Catheter malposition in the renal vein – a rare complication related to a peripherally inserted central catheter

Abstract

In cardiology intensive care units central venous access is often needed for intravenous infusion of multiple strong acting or hypertonic therapeutic agents such as catecholamines, antibiotics, kalium chloride solutions or parenteral nutrition, as well as for central venous pressure measurements. Currently, access devices include centrally inserted central venous catheters (CVC) and peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC). Because of the relative ease of placement, reduced rates of severe complications, such as pneumothorax, great vessel perforation or bleeding, and lower costs in comparison to CVCs, PICCs have been widely used. The PICC has risks, however, with the most frequently occurring complications being catheter malposition followed sometimes by thrombosis, infection or even perforation of the vessel. We present a case of an uncomplicated unsatisfactory location of the catheter tip in the right renal vein, found accidentally during chest angio-CT. Although PICCs are considered to be safe and easy to insert, the proper catheter tip placement is highly unreliable and should be carefully assessed.