AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION SECONDARY TO CENTRAL LINE INTRAVENOUS FLUID EXTRAVASATION

The differential diagnosis of neck masses is well known to the otolary ngologist-head and neck surgeon. To our knowledge, we present the firs t reported case of airway obstruction secondary to the extravasation o f intravenous fluid from an internal jugular central venous line. This novel entity, with its rapidly progressive course and morbid implicat ions, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a neck mas s in the patient with a central venous line. We discuss the management of this problem in the context of the complications of central venous lines as it relates to the otolaryngologist.