Spontaneous migration of a Port-a-Cath catheter into ipsilateral jugular vein in two patients with severe cough

Ann Vasc Surg. 2005 Sep;19(5):734-6. doi: 10.1007/s10016-005-4638-1.

Abstract

Port-A-Cath systems are widely used for long-term therapy in the treatment of malignancies and infection. Spontaneous migration of Port-A-Cath catheters after satisfactory initial placement is uncommon but is associated with a number of complications, including neck pain, shoulder pain, ear pain, infection, venous thrombosis, and neurological complications. We describe two cases of migration of the Port-A-Cath catheter into the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. Both received surgical reposition of the catheter with a longer one. We speculate that the migration is related to severe cough and vigorous changes of intrathoracic pressure. We also review the literature regarding such unusual complications of Port-A-Cath. Because catheter migration might be asymptomatic, monitoring the catheter position bimonthly when not used is recommended. Before a new course of chemotherapy or encountering symptoms of migration, obtaining a chest roentgenogram is essential to provide early detection and repositioning management of a migrated catheter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Cough / complications*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Vena Cava, Superior