Catastrophic hemothorax on the contralateral side of the insertion of an implantable subclavian venous access device and the ipsilateral side of the removal of the infected port -A case report

The percutaneous placement of a totally implantable vascular access port via the subclavian vein is commonly used in patients with a need for multiple intravenous infusions such as administration of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the use of central venous ports have been associated with adverse events that are hazardous to patients. Here we report the case of a 5-year-old child who died of catastrophic hemothorax after several attempts at insertion of an implantable subclavian venous access device and removal of an infected port. Massive hemothorax occurred on the side contralateral to unsuccessful attempts at insertion of a new port and ipsilateral to the removal of an infected port. We could not confirm the cause of death and hemothorax without autopsy, but we discuss several possible causes of massive hemothorax.