[X-Ray findings of the complications of central venous catheters (author's transl)].

The increasing use of central venous catheters requires knowledge of possible hazards. Complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, hematomas in the chest wall or mediastinum and pulmonary emboli caused by the catheter are easily seen on plain chest films. Cardiac tamponade, perforation of vessels, air emboli and thrombosis have to be considered as a possible cause in case of sudden deterioration of a patient.