[Septic pulmonary embolism after removal of a venous access device for septic thrombophlebitis].

Septic thrombophlebitis on a central venous access device (CVAD) is a rare and serious complication. According to current guidelines, the device should be removed and antibiotics be given. The risk of septic thrombophlebitis is related to the migration of septic emboli to the lung, a potentially fatal event, particularly in frail patients with lung cancer. We report a case observed in a 66-year-old man with multiple metastatic lung cancer who had a CVAD and who developed septic thrombophlebitis leading to coagulase-negative staphylococcal bacteriemia. After removal of the CVAD, the thrombophlebitis was complicated by pulmonary embolism affecting the entire network of the right lung.