Widened mediastinum in acute trauma: a complication of central venous catheterization.

We report a case of mediastinal widening simulating aortic rupture and resulting from fluid infused into the mediastinum via a percutaneously placed subclavian pulmonary artery introducer sheath in an acutely injured patient. The use of such catheters for resuscitation of acutely injured patients is presented, along with reported complications and their diagnosis. Necessary precautions during the use of these catheters are discussed.