Late appearance of pneumothorax after subclavian venipuncture.

Pneumothorax is a well-recognized complication of subclavian vein catheterization. Chest radiography is advised soon after the procedure. Implied here is that when pneumothorax occurs, it will do so shortly after attempted subclavian venipuncture. Two cases of late pneumothorax are reported, one of which became clinically apparent four days after the procedure. If undetected, this may present a hazard in preoperative patients.