Asymptomatic Penetration of the Median Nerve by a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: A Case Report. Issue 3 (23rd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kikuchi, Masaru; Sawada, Mana; Nomura, Takeshi; Mizuno, Yusuke; Goto, Takahisa
• Is Part Of: A & A practice. Volume 16:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: e01577
• Publication Date: 2022-03-23
• Subjects: Analgesia -- Periodicals; Analgesia -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001577
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2575-3126

Abstract

Abstract : We report a rare case in which a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) asymptomatically penetrated the median nerve. The patient was a 71-year-old man who displayed no neurological symptoms until 4 days after PICC placement. An ultrasound scan revealed that the PICC had penetrated the median nerve. He underwent surgery to remove the catheter and had no sequelae. When placing a PICC, selecting the brachial vein as a puncture site is associated with a high risk of nerve injury. Furthermore, circumspect observation is needed until withdrawal as neurological symptoms may be absent even when the catheter has punctured a nerve.