13 March 2018
: Case report
An Uncommon Cause of Contralateral Brachial Plexus Injury Following Jugular Venous Cannulation
Unusual clinical course, Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment, Patient complains / malpractice
Jinguo Wang1ABDEF, Feng Liu2BCDE, Shunshun Liu3ABDEF, Na Wang3ABCEF*DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.908125
Am J Case Rep 2018; 19:289-291
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The complication rate of central venous catheterization ranges from 4% to 35%. Brachial plexus injury can occur, mostly on the same side as the catheterization, without affecting the contralateral brachial plexus.
CASE REPORT: A 71-year-old woman received placement of a vein hemodialysis catheter via right internal jugular vein. Five days after the cannulation, she complained of contralateral burning pain and numbness at the ulnar side of her left forearm. On the next day, the pain increased and extended to her left shoulder girdle and whole left arm, despite use of analgesics. When she passively tilted her head to the right side, ear to shoulder, the pain increased in the left arm. We found the patient had a tight suture with which the jugular catheter was fixed. The patient persistently turned her head to the right and slightly flexed her neck to loosen the suture to avoid discomfort. We removed the suture and the central venous catheter. Her pain in the left shoulder and arm was diminished the next day. Three days later, the symptoms had all disappeared completely.
CONCLUSIONS: Central venous catheterization may cause contralateral brachial plexus injury, which may result from a tight suture with which the jugular catheter is fixed.
Keywords: Arm Injuries, Catheterization, Central Venous, Jugular Veins
In Press
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.944665
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946514
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946456
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945602
Most Viewed Current Articles
21 Jun 2024 : Case report
90,010
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
50,284
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
20 Nov 2023 : Case report
25,908
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.941424
Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e941424
18 Feb 2024 : Case report
22,715
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943030
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943030