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Accidental Intra-Arterial PICC Line Placement

Imaging findings

Chest radiograph and CT show a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) traversing the left subclavian artery into the descending thoracic aorta, rather than the expected venous route.

Key takeaways

Accidental arterial cannulation is a potential hazard during central or PICC line placement, especially under challenging access conditions. Radiologists must recognize when a catheter follows a course corresponding to the arterial system rather than the venous system, as rapid removal can lead to severe hemorrhage and require endovascular or surgical repair.

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