Students ’ Corner Life threatening mediastinal haematoma: a complication of central venous catheterization

Central venous catheterization (CVC) has established risks and benefits in its application as a vascular access source, particularly in situations involving temporary cannulation. We present a rare case of life-threatening mediastinal haematoma resulting from CVC usage. Even though aggressive interven-tion yielded survival, the patient was left with permanent vocal compromise owing to traumatic palsy of the right recur-rent laryngeal nerve. One should be careful in selection of venous access and be aware of alternatives routes