Asymptomatic Penetration of the Median Nerve by a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: A Case Report

We report a rare case in which a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) asymptomatically penetrated the median nerve. The patient was a 71-year-old man who displayed no neurological symptoms until 4 days after PICC placement. An ultrasound scan revealed that the PICC had penetrated the median nerve. He underwent surgery to remove the catheter and had no sequelae. When placing a PICC, selecting the brachial vein as a puncture site is associated with a high risk of nerve injury. Furthermore, circumspect observation is needed until withdrawal as neurological symptoms may be absent even when the catheter has punctured a nerve.