Transpleural subclavian central venous catheter placement in a child with scoliosis discovered during a thoracotomy

Placement of central venous catheters in dysmorphic children can be difficult because of distortion of normal anatomical landmarks. We present such a case of a 16 year-old child who had a central venous catheter inserted in the left subclavian vein. Although a conventional roentgenogram was consistent with correct placement, the catheter was found to traverse the pleural space before entering the subclavian vein. (C) 2003 by Elsevier Science Inc.