Detection of an embolized central venous catheter fragment with endobronchial ultrasound

Clin Respir J. 2018 Jan;12(1):295-297. doi: 10.1111/crj.12469. Epub 2016 Mar 15.

Abstract

An 84-year-old woman underwent Convex-probe Endobronchial Ultrasound (CP-EBUS) for 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose avid subcarinal lymphadenopathy on Positron Emission Tomogram (PET) scan. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of the subcarinal lymph node revealed squamous cell lung carcinoma. A small hyperechoic rounded density was noted inside the lumen of the azygous vein. Based on chest computed tomography findings and her clinical history, this was felt to be a broken fragment of a peripherally inserted central catheter, which was placed for intravenous antibiotics, a few months prior to this presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever CP-EBUS description of a broken fragment of central venous catheter.

Keywords: Convex-probe Endobronchial Ultrasound; central venous catheter; peripherally inserted central catheter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bronchi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchoscopy / methods*
  • Central Venous Catheters*
  • Endosonography / methods*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous / instrumentation
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents