Airway obstruction secondary to central line intravenous fluid extravasation

The differential diagnosis of neck masses is well known to the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. To our knowledge, we present the first reported case of airway obstruction secondary to the extravasation of intravenous fluid from an internal jugular central venous line. This novel entity, with its rapidly progressive course and morbid implications, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a neck mass in the patient with a central venous line. We discuss the management of this problem in the context of the complications of central venous lines as it relates to the otolaryngologist.