Successful diagnosis and treatment of cardiac perforation due to subclavian catheter during total parenteral nutrition.

A case of atrial perforation by a subclavian vein catheter, which was inserted for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is reported. Acute thoracic symptoms developed 3 days after the infusion was started. The diagnosis was correctly made by demonstrating contrast medium within the pericardial sac. The catheter was withdrawn and the patient recovered satisfactorily. The clinical picture and the differential diagnosis of this complication are discussed.