Iatrogenic asymptomatic subclavian arteriovenous fistula after percutaneous catheterizationcutaneous catheterization

Abstract

A 4-year-old child with chronic enteropathy underwent left percutaneous internal jugular vein Hickman catheter insertion for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) under general anaesthesia. Previously this child had undergone percutaneous Hickman line insertion on the right internal jugular vein in 2013 and the right subclavian vein in 2015. These lines had been removed before due to catheter sepsis. During the present procedure, 6.6 french Hickman line was inserted into the left internal jugular vein by percutaneous peel away technique under ultrasound guidance. Later in the ward it was noticed that Hickman line was not functioning and there was reverse flow of blood into the intravenous (IV) line. Blood gas sample taken from the line showed arterial values and the catheter was subsequently removed. Computed tomography (CT) angiography was done which reported arteriovenous (AV) fistula with pseudoaneurysm of the right subclavian vein. The child was then referred to department of cardiothoracic surgery for further management. From the above case report we can infer that patients who underwent repeated percutaneous central line insertions may develop iatrogenic AV fistula or pseudo aneurysm. These complications can be asymptomatic for years. Failure to recognize this may lead to catastrophe during reinsertion. Hence proper history taking, clinical examination for bruit, thrill over the neck veins and cardiac examination should be done preoperatively if there is past history of multiple insertions. Investigations like venous blood gas sampling, USG doppler for neck veins, echocardiography, and CT angiography should be done in these cases preoperatively.