Inadvertent Catheterization of the Ascending Lumbar Vein

Abstract

A NUMBER OF SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS can arise from malpositioned central venous catheters (CVCs), including cardiac tamponade and perforation, pleural effusions, and infusion into the vertebral venous system anywhere along the spinal column. Figure 1 is an x-ray of a premature infant taken after insertion of a 2.0 Silastic peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), demonstrating the catheter entering the left ascending lumbar vein (ALV). Routine contrast injection of 0.3 mL of iothalamate meglumine 60 percent (Conray, Covidien Imaging Solutions, Hazelwood, Missouri) at the time of the PICC-placement film demonstrated that the contrast material extended into the vertebral venous plexus. The catheter was immediately withdrawn before intravenous fluid was administered, and the infant experienced no complications.