Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion Associated with Trapped Lung Syndrome
Friday, May 2nd, 2008.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals. 2008 Apr;16(2):120-3. [Link]
Qureshi RA, Collinson SL, Powell RJ, Froeschle PO, Berrisford RG.
Department of Thoracic Surgery,Exeter NHS Research and Development Support Unit Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust Exeter, United Kingdom. rizwanqureshi2@aol.com
Abstract
Management of recurrent malignant pleural effusion associated with trapped lung syndrome remains problematic. An alternative treatment using a pleural catheter has been advocated. Between August 1999 and August 2002, 127 patients underwent thoracoscopy for malignant pleural effusion. Of these, 52 (41%) with trapped lung were managed by insertion of a pleural catheter. Mean age was 66 years (range, 42–89 years). The most frequent diagnosis was breast cancer. Spontaneous pleurodesis (drainage < 10 mL) occurred in 25 (48%) patients whose catheter was removed after 30 to 255 days (mean, 93.8 days). Symptomatic relief was achieved in 49 (94%) patients. Mean dyspnea score improved significantly from 3.0 to 1.9. Complications comprised catheter blockage, surgical emphysema, cellulitis, and loculated effusion in 2 patients each. Mean length of hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1–16 days). Median survival was 126 days (range, 10–175 days). We conclude that long-term placement of a pleural catheter provides effective palliation for malignant pleural effusion associated with trapped lung syndrome.
Glossary
- diagnosis
- identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.
- catheter
- (cath-eh-tur) a thin, flexible tube through which fluids enter or leave the body.
- cancer
- malignancy; a group of diseases typified by abnormal, generally out-of-control, cell growth.
- pleural effusion
- an abnormal accumulation of fluid, usually caused by trauma or disease, in the pleural space.
