Bronchial erosion and migration of Port-A-Cath, a case report

Mahseeri Mohamad; Tayseer Ahmad Sabbah Al-Tawarah; Mohammad Alqasem Ayed Odeh Aladaileh; Azzam Hunsi Khalaf; Hebah Hisham Hawasheen; Mahmoud Abu-Abeeleh

doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2019.06.049

Bronchial erosion and migration of Port-A-Cath, a case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2019:60:376-378. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2019.06.049. Epub 2019 Jun 26.

Authors

Mahseeri Mohamad¹, Tayseer Ahmad Sabbah Al-Tawarah², Mohammad Alqasem Ayed Odeh Aladaileh³, Azzam Hunsi Khalaf⁴, Hebah Hisham Hawasheen⁵, Mahmoud Abu-Abeeleh⁶

Affiliations

¹ General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, P.O Box 13857, Amman 11942, Jordan. Electronic address: Mo.Abdullah@ju.edu.jo.
² General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, P.O Box 13857, Amman 11942, Jordan. Electronic address: Tys0046666@yahoo.com.
³ General Surgery Department, Faculty of medicine, Yarmouk University, 21163, Irbid, Jordan. Electronic address: Mohadayleh@hotmail.com.
⁴ General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, P.O Box 13857, Amman 11942, Jordan. Electronic address: Azzamkhalaf@gmail.com.
⁵ General Surgery Department, Faculty of medicine, Yarmouk University, 21163, Irbid, Jordan. Electronic address: Mahamoho@yahoo.com.
⁶ General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, P.O Box 13857, Amman 11942, Jordan. Electronic address: abeelehm@yahoo.com.

Abstract

Introduction: Several possible complications are known to be related to central venous catheters.

Presentation of case: A 20-year-old lady had a catheter (Port-a-Cath) inserted in the left subclavian vein to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma. One year after insertion, on receiving intravenous chemotherapy the patient began coughing. Imaging studies showed the tip of the catheter to be crossing the superior mediastinum into the upper lobe of the right lung. The patient was taken to the operating room and the Port-a-Cath catheter was removed intact.

Discussion: Migration is a rare complication associated with insertion of these lines. Accompanying erosion into an airway is even rarer.

Conclusion: Any unexplained deterioration in the respiratory system should raise suspicion of catheter migration and bronchial erosion.

Keywords: Central line; Erosion; Migration; Port-A-Cath; Venous access.