BACKGROUND: Radial artery access during coronary angiography has gained popularity as there are fewer associated complications when compared with femoral artery access. However sporadic complications can occur following radial artery catheterization. A rare case of axillary, chest wall and abdominal hematoma is presented following radial artery catheterization.

CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old man with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, with a history of smoking, underwent elective coronary artery angiography via the right radial artery route. He was discharged from care without event, before returning 24 hours later with a large hematoma of the right axilla, extending to the anterior chest wall and abdomen. One year previously, he underwent coronary artery angiography with catheterization of the femoral artery, which was without complications. On this occasion, after resolution of the hematoma, he underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: This case has reported a rare complication of radial artery catheterization that involved extensive hematoma involving the chest, abdominal wall, and axilla. Although such complications may be rare, a high level of vigilance should be maintained for rare complications in patients undergoing radial artery catheterization.

Keywords: cardiac catheterization, Coronary Angiography, Hematoma, Radial Artery