Korean J Med.  2004 Oct;67(4):416-420.

A case of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation induced by internal jugular venous catheterization for hemodialysis

• Kim YS
• Kim JK
• Byun HW
• Han SY
• Son KP
• Seo JW
• Kim GH

Abstract

Right internal jugular vein is preferred for central venous catheter insertion because of fewer complications. However, insertion-related complications can occur such as arterial puncture, pneumothorax, and hemothorax. Arrhythmia can also occur, but it has been reported to temporarily occur only during guidewire insertion. We report a case of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation induced by right internal jugular venous catheterization for hemodialysis. The chest X-ray taken after insertion of the catheter showed that the catheter was advanced too deeply into right atrium from an unusually lower puncture site. The atrial fibrillation persisted nearly 24 hours and was corrected by removal of the catheter. We experienced that paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be complicated by central venous catheterization, and appropriate selection of puncture site and catheter length is important to avoid it.

Keyword

Central venous catheter; Internal jugular vein; Hemodialysis; Atrial fibrillation

MeSH Terms

Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Atrial Fibrillation*
Catheterization*
Catheterization, Central Venous
Catheters*
Central Venous Catheters
Heart Atria
Hemothorax
Jugular Veins
Pneumothorax
Punctures
Renal Dialysis*
Thorax