Iatreia (Apr 2013)
Pinch-off syndrome: case report and review of the literature = Síndrome de pinzamiento costoclavicular: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura
Abstract
Pinch-off syndrome is a rare complication of central venous catheter insertion through the subclavian approach. It is secondary to external compression of the catheter in the costoclavicular angle, which can lead to obstruction, rupture and embolization of its distal fragment. It is usually associated with premonitory radiological and clinical signs. Due to the severe complications of this syndrome, a proper prophylaxis should be done from the moment of insertion until the end of treatment. We present the case of a patient undergoing chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the colon, who developed pinch-off syndrome, with rupture and embolization of the distal fragment of the catheter to the right pulmonary artery. Treatment was successful by means of catheterization through the femoral vein.