**Question:** MC late complication of central venous line: March 2013 (f)

**Core Concept:** Central venous lines are vascular access devices inserted into the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins for monitoring or administering intravenous medications and fluids. Although central venous lines provide valuable clinical benefits, they can also lead to complications when not properly managed or inserted.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is **D**. Late complications of a central venous line can occur due to several reasons. One such complication is **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)**. DVT is the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the body, particularly the legs, due to factors such as inactivity, immobilization, and catheter-induced damage to vein walls. DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening condition.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. **Infection (Option A)** is an early complication and usually presents with fever, redness, and swelling at the site of insertion, not as a late complication.

B. **Thrombosis (Option B)** is an early complication and is characterized by localized clot formation near the insertion site, different from DVT involving deep veins.

C. **Hematoma (Option C)** is an early complication and refers to an accumulation of blood outside the blood vessels, typically observed as swelling and palpable mass at the insertion site, not as a late complication.

**Clinical Pearl:** Central venous lines, though essential for patient care, carry risks like DVT. Early recognition and management of complications are crucial in minimizing patient harm. In cases of suspected DVT, prompt imaging studies like ultrasound or computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.