Pneumothorax due to CV line

Iatrogenic pneumothorax. This CXR was performed following insertion of a right internal jugular central line (yellow arrow), and shows one of the potential complications of central line insertion – a large pneumothorax. The edge of the lung (‘pleural line’) is indicated by the red arrow. Note the increased lucency of the right hemithorax, and the absence of lung markings in the periphery of the hemithorax. Other potential complications of central venous line insertion include vascular injury, which may cause a haemothorax or haemomediastinum, venous thrombosis, malposition and catheter fracture.