Where is that hemodialysis catheter (superior vena cava or aorta)? A case of intraarterial catheter placement.

We present a case of a previously unrecognized intraarterial placement of a central venous catheter (CVC)-in this case, a large-bore hemodialysis catheter in an 82-year-old woman. CVC insertions have become a common practice in hospitals due to a variety of indications, and tunneled CVCs still remain an important form of access in patients with end-stage renal disease. Intraarterial puncture is a common complication during CVC insertion, while intraarterial (mis)placement is fairly uncommon and if unrecognized can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.