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Published on: February 9, 2011
Bacterial endocarditis associated with a skin-tunnelled catheter
1Department of Clinical Oncology, Western General Hospital NHS Trust, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|February 18, 2004
Summary
Skin-tunnelled catheters provide long-term central venous access but carry risks. This case highlights a rare complication: bacterial endocarditis following catheter removal due to associated venous thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Skin-tunnelled catheters are essential for long-term central venous access in cancer patients.
- These lines facilitate chemotherapy, fluid/blood product administration, and nutritional support.
- Potential complications include infection, thrombosis, and dislodgement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of bacterial endocarditis.
- To investigate the link between central venous catheter use and subsequent cardiac infection.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing line-associated thrombosis complications.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing a patient's clinical course.
- Review of potential complications associated with skin-tunnelled catheters.
- Investigation of line-associated brachiocephalic venous thrombosis.
Main Results:
- The patient developed bacterial endocarditis affecting the pulmonary valve.
- This occurred shortly after the removal of a skin-tunnelled catheter.
- The endocarditis was linked to pre-existing line-associated brachiocephalic venous thrombosis.
Conclusions:
- Line-associated venous thrombosis is a significant complication of central venous catheters.
- Bacterial endocarditis can arise as a consequence of catheter-related thrombosis.
- Vigilance for and management of venous thrombosis are crucial in patients with central venous access devices.
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