Left Brachiocephalic Vein Stenosis due to the Insertion of a Temporal Right Subclavian Hemodialysis Catheter

Central vein stenosis/occlusion is a common well-described sequel to the placement of hemodialysis catheters in the central venous system. The precise mechanisms by which central vein stenosis occurs are not well known. Current concepts in central vein stenosis pathophysiology focus on the response to vessel injury model, emphasizing the process of trauma. A case of left brachiocephalic vein stenosis due to the insertion and function of a temporary right subclavian hemodialysis catheter is presented. The purpose of the manuscript is to emphasize that, with the introduction of a temporary subclavian hemodialysis catheter via the right subclavian vein apart from causing concurrent stenosis/infarction of the right subclavian and right brachiocephalic vein, it is also possible to cause stenosis of the left brachiocephalic vein (close to its contribution to the superior vena cava) although the catheter tip is placed in the correct anatomical position in the superior vena cava.