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Fibrin Clot Mistook as a Worm in the Intravenous Line

Jun Hyun Kim1, Ji Yeon Kim2, Yeon Soo Park1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.

Yonsei Medical Journal
|February 27, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A patient found a "worm" in their intravenous line, which was actually a fibrin deposit, not a blood clot. This case highlights the importance of considering fibrin deposits in intravenous lines to reassure patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Case Reports
  • Pathology
  • Intravenous Therapy

Background:

  • Foreign bodies in intravenous (IV) sets are occasionally reported.
  • Patients may misinterpret unusual findings within IV lines.

Observation:

  • A patient reported observing a worm-like foreign body within their intravenous line.
  • The object was white, elongated, and contained few red blood cells, differentiating it from a typical blood clot.

Findings:

  • Pathologic examination confirmed the foreign body to be a long, white fibrin deposit.
  • The presence of fibrin deposit occurred despite the intravenous set having a non-return valve.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider fibrin deposits as a potential cause of foreign body sensations in IV lines.
  • Accurate identification of IV line "foreign bodies" is essential for patient reassurance and appropriate clinical management.
Keywords:
Fibrin clotforeign bodyintravenous linenon-return valvepatient-controlled analgesia

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