Brachial arteriovenous fistula as a complication of placement of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter: a case report and review of the literature

Am Surg. 2006 Sep;72(9):833-6. doi: 10.1177/000313480607200914.

Abstract

Peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) lines have become a frequently used method of intravenous access for long-term administration of antibiotics, chemotherapy, and parenteral nutrition. Catheter-related complications involving the arterial tree are rare. We report a case of a 25-year-old woman with a history of difficult PICC line placement that presented with an arteriovenous fistula in the left arm. Duplex ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of a brachial artery-to-brachial vein arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and the patient underwent surgical repair. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an AVF resulting from PICC line placement. Correction of AVF is indicated to alleviate symptoms as well as to prevent future complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / etiology*
  • Brachial Artery / abnormalities*
  • Brachial Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Brachiocephalic Veins / abnormalities*
  • Brachiocephalic Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ultrasonography