Hydrothorax after retraction of a subclavian central venous catheter.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used in intensive care patients. However, their use is associated with mechanical and infectious complications. Most mechanical complications arise during insertion, rarely while the catheter is in situ or upon its removal.1 The most frequent mechanical complications, arising mostly at the time of venopuncture or shortly after, are arterial malpuncture, malpositioning, hematoma, and pneumothorax. They occur in 5–19% of all cases.2 Ipsilateral pleural effusions due to catheter misplacement, dislocation, or vessel wall penetration of the catheter tip can occur during placement or while the catheter is in situ. It has been suggested that the risk of these kinds of mechanical problems is increased if stiff catheter material is used.1 Here we report the case of a unilateral hydrothorax caused by a partially retracted catheter.