Hydrothorax From Subclavian Vein Catheterization

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Abstract
To the Editor:— Widespread use of the subclavian vein for the collection of blood samples, intravenous infusions, monitoring central venous pressure, and intracardiac catheterization began with the description by Wilson et al in 1962.1The subclavian route continues to gain popularity.2-4Complications are rarely attributed to this method, but hemothorax, tension pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, brachial plexus injury, septicemia, subclavicular hematoma, cutaneous bleeding, pneumothorax, subclavian artery injury, infection, thoracic duct injury, air embolism, catheter embolization, subclavian thrombophlebitis, and arteriovenous fistula are possible. Additionally, iatrogenic hydrothorax is another potential complication that deserves comment. Report of a Case.— A 55-year-old woman underwent cholecystectomy on Nov 29, 1968, for cholecystitis secondary to cholelithiasis. Postoperatively, because of a problem in maintaining an intravenous route, a percutaneous infraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization was performed on the second postoperative day (a free return of blood was demonstrated). After receiving 1,500 cc of lactated Ringer's solution, she developed

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