An unusual complication of a central venous catheter in a neonate

The use of central venous catheters in neonates is associated with early and late complications. It is recognized that catheter tip migration and perforation of a viscus can occur at any time with a potentially fatal outcome. We present a case in which the successful placement of a central line was followed 2 weeks later by a sudden respiratory deterioration necessitating intubation and ventilation. The catheter tip had eroded through the wall of a pulmonary artery and a bronchus into the bronchial tree. The report highlights the serious morbidity arising from the use of central venous lines in neonates and stresses the importance of X-rays in establishing the correct position of all catheters. A sudden change in the condition of a patient should raise the suspicion of a catheter-related problem.