[Horner's syndrome: a rare complication of internal jugular vein cannulation (author's transl)]

Percutaneous internal jugular vein cannulation has become an accepted method for insertion of central venous catheters. There are many indications for such a procedure, but a variety of complications may arise due either to direct injury of local structures or else to secondary tissue damage due to long-standing presence of the catheter in situ. Direct injury to the sympathetic trunk causing Horner's syndrome is extremely rare. This report describes a case in which Horner's syndrome occurred a few days after insertion of the catheter into the right internal jugular vein.