A Fatal Complication of a Peripheral Venous Catheter

Peripheral venous catheters (PVC) are widely used in the hospital and seem to be innocent. However, complications can be devastating. We present a case of a fatal septic shock due to vertebral osteomyelitis after PVC-related Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of bacteraemia in both the community and the hospital with a significantly increased incidence over the last several decades. Intravascular catheters are the most common cause of SAB. Morbidity and mortality are high, even with appropriate therapy. Although complications are known and common, they may be difficult to recognize. Vertebral osteomyelitis is one of these known severe complications.