Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (Jul 2005)

Septic Thrombophlebitis of the Cephalic Vein Caused by a Peripherally Inserted Venous Catheter

  • M Mirmohammadsadeghi,
  • O Aghadavoudi

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 4
pp. 244 – 247

Abstract

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Septic thrombophlebitis of a vein is a rare but life-threatening complication of an intravascular (IV) catheter placed percutaneously in the veins. Most published clinical experiences with IV catheters, mainly in the outpatient settings, have reported very low rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection compared to rates with central venous catheters placed in a subclavian or internal jugular vein. Most of the complications reported with IV catheters have been non-infectious, particularly sterile phlebitis or thrombosis. We report a case of cephalic vein suppurative thrombophlebitis from an intravascular catheter and offer guidelines for diagnosis and management of this complication. Key words: Septic thrombophlebitis, Intravascular catheter, Suppurative thrombophlebitis