Presentation
Patient undergoing cancer treatment. Presents in the ER with pain, redness and hardening of right anterior cervical region.
Patient Data
Port-a-cath catheter on a subcutaneous pathway observed from the upper right hemithorax to its end in the internal jugular vein. Characterized on ultrasound as hyperechoic parallel lines.
The heterogeneous echogenic material filling and distending the right internal jugular vein is consistent with thrombus.
It was also observed a slight increase in echogenicity of fatty plans around the end of the catheter, as well as small fluid around (not shown in photos).
VJD - right internal jugular vein
ACCD- right common carotid artery
Case Discussion
This case illustrates a catheter-related thrombosis of the internal jugular vein in an oncologic patient receiving chemotherapy. Infection of the catheter should be sought with consideration for further replacement.