[An unusual cause of recurrent septic states]

The authors describe the septic sequelae of an unobserved embolization of a central venous catheter into right-sided cardiac compartments. The finding of an embolized fragment of a catheter which was in the patient's circulation for 89 days was quite incidental. The previous period was associated with diagnostic doubts in various departments. The most frequent diagnosis of repeated septicaemia was bacterial endocarditis, although repeated echocardiographic examinations did not confirm it. Similarly, repeated X-rays did not contribute to the diagnosis--this can be explained by dilatation of the heart of the patient. Extraction of the embolized fragment by means of a catheter resolved the problem. The fragment was colonized by the causal agent of the febrile conditions--Staphylococcus aureus.