Does PICC Lead To Pain In Sternum And Upper Back?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 Answered on

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My father just came home from being in the hospital for 10 for a bowel obstruction. He was treated medically with NG tube, no liquids and he didn't have to have surgery. He did have a PICC line placed for TPN therapy. Two days ago, he developed severe neck pain, they checked him with X-ray and sent him to see a PT. However, once home his pain, was mid sternum with pain piercing through to his upper back. Rt shoulder, He is physically in a lot of pain. Could this be related to his PICC line, which was pulled today just before his discharge.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer: yes and you should get him examined immediately Detailed Answer: Hello It is likely hat the pain is due to the PICC and needs to be evaluated further. there can be three more rarer possibilities First - there may be some acid reflux due to the NG tube which may cause the sensation Second- the NG tube may have damaged the wall of the esophagus, although this extremely unlikely third one may be that your father may have had a small heart attack and should betaken to the hospital immediately Please meet your doctor as soon as possible Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad