[Fatal peripheral catheter phlebitis]

A 75-year-old man suffered from suppurative thrombophlebitis as a complication of a peripheral venous catheter (1.2 x 45 mm Teflon). In spite of rapid removal of the catheter at the time of clinical diagnosis of phlebitis and adequate antibiotic treatment, the Staphylococcus aureus sepsis developed into lethal endocarditis. The risk of thrombophlebitis can be minimized by limiting (less than 72 hours) the duration of cannulation. If pus is detected within the lumen of the vein, surgical excision of the involved vein remains the treatment of choice.