Indwelling pleural catheter for malignant pleural effusion with persistent air leak

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Aug 19;15(8):e248574. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-248574.

Abstract

Malignant pleural effusion with persistent air leak (PAL) is a rare manifestation of lung malignancy. We present a woman in her 50s with postpleuroscopy PAL. Pleural biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma with detection of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in exon 19. An indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) was inserted and connected to an Atrium Express Mini ambulatory drain. This procedure reduced the length of hospital stay. Autopleurodesis with resolution of PAL occurred at week 3 of IPC insertion.

Keywords: Cancer intervention; Pneumothorax.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization
  • Catheters, Indwelling
  • Drainage / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant* / etiology
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant* / therapy
  • Pleurodesis / methods