Septic discitis and other complications of peripheral venous cannulation

Description: Q J Med 2002; 95: 412-413
We read with interest the recent report of a case of multi-level septic discitis with olecranon bursitis following infection at the site of intravenous cannulation.1 Two years ago, we had a similar case which led us to consider whether peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are as harmless as generally believed. Here we briefly present a case of an infected PVC resulting in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia and metastatic septic arthritis, psoas abscess and septic discitis. We then outline the results of a survey we performed to look at the complications secondary to PVC use in a district hospital.