Central Venous catheterization is a reliable technique in neonatal surgery.
Nevertheless, the rate of mechanical catheter-related complications remains
high.
We report a neonate with gastroschisis in which the successful placement of
a central venous catheter was followed later by a cardiac tamponade with a
fatal outcome.
This complication occurred without perforation of the cardiac wall.
A similar finding has been reported in only one other pediatric patient.
Vigilant observation is required in any neonate with a central venous line
in place to prevent the occurrence of this life-threatening event.