Retrograde cannulation of the jugular vein: erroneous positioning of the catheter in the subarachnoid space.

This report describes one complication related to retrograde positioning of a catheter in the jugular vein in a patient in a coma resulting from subarachnoid haemorrhage. The catheter was found in the cervical subarachnoid space, as confirmed by radiography with contrast medium. Attention is focused on the fact that this technique, usually performed easily and safely, may occasionally present potentially severe complications.