Simple Site, Serious Sequelae: Septic Emboli from a Peripheral Cannula.
A Walker, E Keelan
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A young woman developed right arm pain and pleuritic chest pain after a recent hospitalisation, with marked inflammation (CRP 296 mg/L, WCC 13.7 ×10⁹/L). Investigations identified multiple septic pulmonary emboli associated with cephalic vein thrombophlebitis and cellulitis at a previous peripheral cannula site. Despite prolonged intravenous antibiotics, she subsequently developed culture-proven septic arthritis, which required washout and further treatment.
What made this case unusual
The septic pulmonary emboli were linked to thrombophlebitis and cellulitis at a peripheral cannula site, an association the report describes as rarely reported.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In a patient with pleuritic chest pain and arm symptoms after hospitalisation, a previous peripheral cannula site may be relevant when considering a source of septic pulmonary emboli.