Iatrogenic hydrothorax complicated by reactive pleural effusion.

Central venous catheterization, an everyday procedure in intensive care units, has a number of well recognized complications.' Venous wall perforation resulting in hydrothorax is unlikely when the right internal jugular vein is cannulated by an experienced operator using a J -tipped guide wire and the Seldinger technique.2 If perforation of the vein does occur, complications within the chest cavity can result in considerable morbidity, or death.3'4 We report the result of propofol and atracurium infusion into the chest cavity and discuss factors related to malplace ment of the venous catheter.