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Updated: Aug 31, 2025
Brachial Artery Catheterization in Swine
Published on: March 30, 2019
A Case Report of Brachiocephalic Vein Spasm Secondary to Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
Seth Russell1, Jordan H Chamberlin1, Jeremy R Burt2,1
1Diagnostic Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Insights
Central venous spasms are rare but can occur after central catheter insertion. This case highlights severe narrowing of a central vein, likely due to venospasm, in a patient with deep vein thrombosis history.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Vascular spasm is a well-documented phenomenon in the arterial system.
- Central venous spasms are infrequently reported, making their diagnosis and management challenging.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) history may predispose individuals to venous complications.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male with a history of DVT developed left upper extremity edema after peripheral central catheter insertion.
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed severe narrowing of the left brachiocephalic vein.
- The clinical presentation and imaging findings were consistent with central venospasm.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a rare instance of central venous spasm.
- The severe narrowing of the left brachiocephalic vein indicated significant venospasm.
- Catheter removal was the primary intervention, with no further treatment required.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of venospasm in central veins.
- Recognition of central venous spasm is crucial for appropriate patient management.
- Nitroglycerin may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing or treating venospasm.
Abstract:
Vascular spasm is well known and studied in the arterial system. There are only a few cases reported related to central venous spasms. We present the case of a 63-year-old male with an extensive medical history, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), who underwent peripheral insertion of a central catheter in his left upper extremity with subsequent development of left upper extremity edema. The central catheter was removed before the patient underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest which revealed severe narrowing of the left brachiocephalic vein, consistent with venospasm in the clinical setting. Nitroglycerin might be useful to prevent vasospasm, or it might also be used for treatment. In our case, the catheter was removed, and no subsequent treatment was necessary.
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