Position-dependent ventricular tachycardia related to a peripherally inserted central catheter

Recently, peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) have been widely used for venous access. Advantages of a PICC over centrally inserted central catheters include the virtual elimination of the risk of pneumotho rax, hemothorax, and arterial puncture, along with a reduced risk of bleedi ng. However, the PICC has associated risks. We present 2 cases of body posi tion-dependent ventricular tachycardia related to PICCs. These events occur red in patients with no prior history of cardiac arrhythmia and were correc ted by repositioning of the PICC. They serve to identify a potentially seri ous cardiac complication of the PICC that, to our knowledge, has not been d escribed previously.