Tension Pneumothorax After Placement of a Tunneled Pleural Drainage Catheter in a Patient with Recurrent Malignant Pleural Effusions

Authors: Wachsman, A.M.; Hoffer, E.K.; Forauer, A.R.; Silas, A.M.; Gemery, J.M.

Source: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology, Volume 30, Number 3, June 2007 , pp. 531-533(3)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

A case of tension pneumothorax developed after placement of a tunneled pleural catheter for treatment of malignant pleural effusion in a patient with advanced lung cancer. The catheter placement was carried out by an experienced operator under direct ultrasound guidance, and the patient showed immediate symptomatic improvement with acute decompensation occurring several hours later. Possible mechanisms for this serious complication of tunneled pleural catheter placement are described, and potential strategies to avoid or prevent it in future are discussed.

Keywords: Pleural effusion; Tension pneumothorax; Tunneled pleural catheter

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00270-006-0073-0

Affiliations: 1: Email: ariw@fusemail.com

Publication date: 2007-06-01