Hydromediastinum following insertion of a central venous pressure line via the right external jugular vein.

The insertion of a central venous pressure (CVP) catheter has been known to be associated with a variety of complications. Among these, isolated hydromediastinum is relatively rare. We recently encountered a patient who developed hydromediastinum due to extravascular penetration of a CVP line inserted via the right external jugular vein. The clinical manifestations and significance of this complication are discussed.