PICC associated median nerve damage
Abstract:
We report a rare case in which a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) asymptomatically penetrated the median nerve. The patient was a 71-year-old man who displayed no neurological symptoms until 4 days after PICC placement. An ultrasound scan revealed that the PICC had penetrated the median nerve. He underwent surgery to remove the catheter and had no sequelae. When placing a PICC, selecting the brachial vein as a puncture site is associated with a high risk of nerve injury. Furthermore, circumspect observation is needed until withdrawal as neurological symptoms may be absent even when the catheter has punctured a nerve.
Reference:
Kikuchi M, Sawada M, Nomura T, Mizuno Y, Goto T. Asymptomatic Penetration of the Median Nerve by a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: A Case Report. A A Pract. 2022 Mar 23;16(3):e01577. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001577. PMID: 35324514.