A rare complication of subclavian vein catheterization:: Mediastinal haematoma, delayed resorption

Attempts for right and left subclavian vein catheterizations were unsuccessful in a patient followed for pre-eclampsia. Meanwhile, the patient developed chest pain and dyspnea. Chest radiography revealed mediastinal widening. Later, mediastinal haematoma was diagnosed by thoracic computed tomography. At 28 days follow-up, the mediastinal haematoma was resorbed. A review of literature revealed very few cases of mediastinal haematoma secondary to subclavian vein catheterization. In all these cases the haematoma was resorbed, usually within one week. Mediastinal haematoma is a rare complication and its resolution after several weeks adds to its rarity.