Transverse cervical artery pseudoaneurysm: A rare complication of internaljugular vein cannulation

Internal jugular vein cannulation has become the preferred approach for tem porary hemodialysis catheter placement following reports of an increased in cidence of subclavian vein stenosis due to subclavian vein catheterization, Internal jugular vein catheterization is associated with a high rate of su ccessful catheter placement. However, significant complications such as int ernal carotid artery (ICA) puncture, pneumothorax, vessel erosion, thrombos is, airway obstruction and infection can occur, The most common complicatio n is ICA puncture. More recently a few cases of thyrocervical trunk pseudoa neurysm and fistula following internal jugular vein and subclavian vein cat heterization attempts have been reported. Patients with renal failure who a re on hemodialysis may have to undergo multiple catheter placements and vas cular access interventions. This, along with their comorbid conditions, inc reases the risk of such complications, Here we report a patient on hemodial ysis who developed transverse cervical artery pseudoaneurysm following an a ttempted right internal jugular vein catheterization. We report this case b ecause of its rarity, to raise awareness of such a complication and to disc uss different treatment options, in particular endovascular coil occlusion. A review of relevant literature is also presented. Copyright (C) 2000 S. K arger AG, Basel.