A CASE OF SEPTIC THROMBOSIS INDUCED BY CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERIZATION

Abstract

In recent years, central venous catheterization (CVC) has rapidly advanced and developed. However, along with a wide use of CVC in clinical settings, various complications including infectious diseases have become problems. A 73-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of gastric cancer. Preoperative examinations were performed with left subclavian indwelling CVC. Twenty-one days after the catheter was placed in the central vein, the patient developed a temperature of 38.8°C, then the catheter was removed. Although a fever tended to be reduced on the next day, edema was appeared in the left upper extremity. Venography and computed tomography demonstrated an obstruction in the left subclavian region and the presence of thrombi in the left external jugular vein region, with the diagnosis of septic thrombosis induced by CVC, conservative treatment was started. After the patient's condition inproved a distal gastrectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Early removal of the catheter as well as conservative treatment by administering antibiotics, anticoagulants and thrombolytic agents are the primary options for treating septic thrombosis induced by CVC. Moreover, it is considered preferable to perform catheterization with sufficient care.