Central line pump infusion and large volume mediastinal contrast extravasation in CT

The use of multidetector CT scanners for CT angiography requires rapid injection of radiographic contrast media. Central venous catheters are now widely used for this purpose. Several complications may occur while using central venous access for rapid, large volume contrast injection such as catheter rupture and contrast extravasation. We describe a case in which inadvertent malposition of a central venous catheter led to a high volume extravasation of contrast in the mediastinum in a trauma patient.