Horner's syndrome: a complication of internal jugular vein cannulation

Percutaneous internal jugular vein cannulation has become an accepted method for placement of central venous catheters. A variety of complications connected with this procedure have been noted, but direct injury to the sympathetic trunk causing Horner's syndrome is extremely rare. A description of repeated attempts of percutaneous cannulation of the right internal jugular vein which led to the occurrence of Horner's syndrome is given.