Atrial fibrillation induced by peripherally inserted central catheters

Reshma Golamari; Yub Raj Sedhai; Karthik Ramireddy; Priyanka Bhattacharya

doi:10.1080/08998280.2019.1668675

Atrial fibrillation induced by peripherally inserted central catheters

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2019 Nov 6;33(1):83-84. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2019.1668675. eCollection 2020 Jan.

Authors

Reshma Golamari¹, Yub Raj Sedhai², Karthik Ramireddy³, Priyanka Bhattacharya⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical CenterHersheyPennsylvania.
² Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVirginia.
³ Department of Internal Medicine, Mercy Catholic Medical CenterDarbyPennsylvania.
⁴ Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvania.

Abstract

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), a form of central venous catheter (CVC) inserted into the cephalic or basilic veins, are most commonly used for administration of long-term antibiotics or for total parenteral nutrition. PICCs are associated with fewer complications than traditional CVCs; however, they have been implicated in accidental malpositioning, leading to both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. We present a case of atrial fibrillation possibly triggered by migration of the tip of the PICC deep into the right atrium. Retraction of the tip resulted in resolution of the arrhythmia.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; central venous catheter; iatrogenic arrhythmias; peripherally inserted central catheters.

Publication types

Case Reports