Abstract
Background: Central venous catheterization (CVC) is an important and common procedure performed for the purpose of drug administration, hemodynamic monitoring, emergency venous access, and extracorporeal intervention. We report a rare case of CVC prior to cardiac surgery, complicated by internal jugular venous dissection. Case presentation: A 66-year-old female was undergoing central venous catheterization prior to cardiac surgery. During the procedure the guidewire could not be proceeded at which point an ultrasound was used to visualize the internal jugular vein, where a venous dissection was noted. Cannulation was, therefore, undertaken on the contralateral side, which was done uneventfully. Conclusion: Venous dissection is a rare complication of CVC, however the incidence is likely higher than the frequency of reporting suggests. Given the low pressures in the venous system the dissection will likely be self-limiting and can be monitored for complication. However, should continue expansion occur, surgery would be necessary.