SESSION TITLE: Disorders of the Pleura SESSION TYPE: Affiliate Case Report Poster PRESENTED ON: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM INTRODUCTION: For centuries, central venous catheters (CVC) have been used as a means of assessing a patients cardiovascular hemodynamics and administering noxious medications. While the role of CVC in managing critically ill patients is indispensable, we must be cognizant of its complications. In this case report, hemodynamic instability complicates a surgical procedure, and the need for central venous access inadvertently leads to the development of an extrapleural hematoma (EPH). CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 78 year old female, whose medical history of atrial fibrillation and transient ischemic attacks placed her at high risk of an ischemic cerebral event (CHA2DS2-VASc scoring). Her recurrent episodes of severe epistaxis precluded her from receiving anticoagulation therapy, and a left atrial appendage closure device (Watchman) was pursued as an alternative for stroke prevention. Sustained intraoperative hypotension necessitated the placement of a right-sided internal jugular CVC for the delivery of norepinephrine to regain hemodynamic stability. Without the availability of ultrasound guidance, anatomic landmarks led to successful cannulation after a failed first attempt. Post procedural chest x-ray (CXR) revealed a near complete opacification of the right hemithorax and CT scan of the chest confirmed a large apical hematoma (Image 1). Thoracoscopic surgery was performed for clot evacuation due to persistence of the EPH despite the placement of chest tubes and conservative medical management. Subsequent CXR revealed a complete resolution of the EPH (Image 2), and she was liberated from mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support. DISCUSSION: The lung parenchyma is surrounded by a physiologic visceral and parietal pleura which lies deep to the endothoracic fascia (ETF). The ETF is the outermost layer of the thoracic cavity and extends from the most inferior portions of the lung to the superior thoracic aperture to encase the lung apices. When diagnosed, the inciting event that precipitates an EPH is typically a penetrating injury to the chest or blunt trauma with injury to the ribs. Damage to the intercostal vasculature leads to the extravasation of blood into the physiologic space that lies between the ETF and the innermost intercostal musculature. This space occupying lesion displaces the ETF centrally, leading to a characteristic “fat stripe” seen on CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: EPH are a pleural space disease and a potential complication of CVC placement. Although a rare occurrence, the disruption in cardiopulmonary physiology can lead to life-threatening complications unless detected early. Reference #1: Chung, JH, Carr RB, Stern EJ. Extrapleural hematomas: imaging appearance, classification, and clinical significance. Journal of Thoracic Imaging. 2011:26:218-223 Reference #2: Aquino, S., Chiles, C., Oaks, T. Displaced extrapleural fat as revealed by CT scanning: evidence of extrapleural hematoma. American Journal of Radiology, 1997. DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Christopher Lee, Reenal Patel, Christian Castaneda, Olumayowa Abe, Samarth Beri No Product/Research Disclosure Information