PICCS and arrythmias YEARS after PICC placement

[Hallene E Utter]

Has anyone heard of a PICC tip being in the RA for a few minutes at the time of placement before being pulled back to the SVC after CXR showed it was in the RA being responsible for the patient developing SVT later?  I have a pt complaining that his SVT now was caused by a PICC 3 years ago because the tip dipped into the atrium?  The line was pulled back to lie in the SVC after CXR showed tip in RA.  This was a silicone catheter, not trimmed, full 60 cm length.  Placed before we used ultrasound, at the antecubital area. Line was placed in 2003.  Diagnosis was neutropenia.  I don't know rest of history, but patient's doctor told him the reason he is having episodic SVT now is due to a PICC line placed 3 years ago.  Of course a floppy tip in RA could cause an arrythmmia at the time of placement, but has anyone ever heard of arrythmmias developing down the road from a PICC?    Halle Utter, RN, BSN