[Peripheral venous catheter embolism]

The accidental embolization of peripheral venous catheter fragments seems to be a rare event. Removal of the catheter embolus is usually recommended, because of the high morbidity and mortality rates from sepsis, perforation, thrombosis and arrhythmias. We report a case, in which the diagnosis was made 17 years after the embolization by the means of a systematic chest X-ray. The use of spiral CT scan with computerized post-processing 3D reconstruction confirmed the diagnosis. Because of good tolerance during this very long term, a not-to-treat decision was taken.