Internal Jugular Vein Haemodialysis Catheter-induced Right Atrium Endocarditis - Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

We present a case of right-sided endocarditis as a life-threatening complication of having a jugular vein haemodialysis catheter inadvertently placed in the right atrium. The mechanisms of direct traumatization of the endocardium by the catheter tip and continuous inoculation of bacteria onto the endocardial surface make dual lumen catheter-induced endocarditis similar to the pathophysiology of experimental endocarditis in animals. Therefore, the catheter tip should be placed in the distal superior vena cava during cannulation. Once endocarditis is present, removal of catheters and a 4-6-week course of intravenous antibiotics guided by the sensitivity test are recommended.