Diagnosis and management of spinal epidural space extravasation complicating percutaneous central venous line placement in a premature infant: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Percutaneous central venous lines are commonly used to establish long-term venous access in the care of premature infants. Misplacement of these catheters can occur and may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Here we report a very-low-birth-weight premature infant whose percutaneous central venous line was inadvertently placed into the spinal epidural space. The anatomical basis of this complication as well as a comprehensive review of literature are provided.