Central venous catheters are frequently required for temporary vascular access in patients with inaccessible peripheral venous access and in patients requiring haemodialysis. Although generally safe, catheter insertion without ultrasound guidance can lead to severe complications. This case report discusses a patient who presented with symptoms of a misplaced dialysis catheter and developed a life-threatening tension haemopneumothorax during its removal, in association with prior haemothorax. We believe that tension haemopneumothorax associated with haemothorax resulting from a misplaced dialysis catheter has not been previously reported. This case also highlights the critical need for precise technique in dialysis catheter placement, preferably guided by real-time ultrasound imaging. A multidisciplinary team approach is helpful in such complicated scenarios to optimise patient outcome.

Patel N, Rathod H, Patel MN, Baxi P, Kabde S. Life-Threatening Tension Haemopneumothorax After Removal of a Misplaced Dialysis Catheter: A Novel Complication and Its Management. Respirol Case Rep. 2025 Apr 20;13(4):e70178. doi: 10.1002/rcr2.70178. PMID: 40260098; PMCID: PMC12009751.