Bilateral hydrothorax as a life-threatening complication of central venous hyperalimentation

Three patients who had hyperalimentation through central venous catheters had bilateral hydrothoraces which appeared to be the cause of death in two instances. Development of the vascular leakage may be delayed as it arises as a result of osmotic injury to the wall of the vein. Consideration of this potential complication of hyperalimentation is important since life-saving measures may be readily introduced once the diagnosis is established.