Bilateral pleural effusions: unexpected complication after left internal jugular venous catheterization for total parenteral nutrition.

Bilateral pleural effusions occurred after total parenteral nutrition was administered via a left internal jugular venous line. The most likely explanation for the fluid passage into both pleural cavities was migration of the tip of the catheter from within the vein into the mediastinum. Fluid can pass into both pleural cavities via anatomical communications, yet to be described, which exist between the two pleural cavities.