758 CASE REPORT OF A CATHETER-RELATED THROMBOSIS IN THE RIGHT HEART


 
 
 Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used in clinical practice. Their use may be associated to complications like catheter-related thrombosis, that may not only result in vascular and catheter occlusion but also infection, pulmonary embolism, and formation of right heart thromboemboli. Patients who develop catheter-related thrombosis have an increased risk of mortality due to the potential risk of embolization to the pulmonary vasculature.
 
 
 
 We describe the case of a 76-year-old man with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, admitted to the Nephrology Department for a suspected UTI. The patient develops a central venous catheter-related thrombosis on the CVC placed in the right jugular vein. The finding of the thrombus was accidental and happened during a transthoracic echocardiography performed to exclude endocarditis. The thrombus was successfully treated with LMWH infusion, preventing complications like pulmonary embolism.
 
 
 
 Although generally considered safe, central venous catheters can be associated with complications such as catheter-related venous thrombosis. Intensivists who use these devices should be aware of this possible complication and may use strategies to prevent them in order to improve patient outcome. The present case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for thromboembolic complications in patients with CVCs.
