Fig. 2

Microscopical changes observed at autopsy in the vein wall after central venous catheterization. Panels A and B show a large microscopic thrombus (*) adherent to the vessel wall. Marked inflammation (grade 3) with cellular infiltration and oedema reaching throughout the vessel wall can be observed (**). Panel C represents a normal vessel wall, which can be compared with Panel D, demonstrating a severe degree of fibrosis with extreme thickening of the intima (***) and a marked increase in mucosal collagen (**) subjacent to the adherent thrombus (*) and a severe degree of inflammation with transmural infiltration of inflammatory cells (****)