Perforation of a central venous catheter into the pelvis of the kidney: a rare complication

Most adverse events related to central venous catheter (CVC) use in severely ill neonates who require total parenteral nutrition (TPN) are caused by malposition of the tip of the catheter, followed by complications such as infection, sepsis, thrombosis or, rarely, perforation of the vessel. Malpositioned tip of a CVC into the renal vein followed by thrombosis is well known. We report two cases of perforation of a CVC into the renal pelvis. To prevent this complication, the value of intra- or postoperative use of fluoroscopy with injection of contrast medium through the catheter is discussed.