Hydrothorax after central venous catheterization

Three patients are described who developed hydrothorax as a complication of central venous catheterization. Respiratory distress associated with physical signs of fluid in the chest should arouse suspicion that the venous catheter has perforated the wall of the vein.The complications of central venous catheterization are reviewed and three cases of hydrothorax are presented. Comments on the prevention of these complications, their diagnosis and treatment if they occur, are made.