Reverse jugular flow in a case of thrombosis of the brachiocephalic vein with an artificial arteriovenous fistula.

Thrombosis of the thoracic inlet veins following placement of a central venous catheter is a well-known complication, and several findings have been reported by color Doppler sonography. However, reverse jugular flow resulting from this complication is rarely mentioned and should be differentiated from another complication of iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula between neck vessels. The authors here describe a uremic patient with an artificial arteriovenous fistula in the forearm complicated with thrombosis of the ipsilateral brachiocephalic vein. Factors permitting the differential diagnosis by coloer Doppler sonography and clinical conditions are proposed.