Open AccessRe‐establishing indwelling pleural catheter patency with alteplase after failure of streptokinase
Author(s) -
Faisal Mohamed,
Nurhanis Siti,
Nik Abeed Nik Nuratiqah,
Ng Boon Hau,
Ban Andrea YuLin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.639
Subject(s) - medicine , streptokinase , malignant pleural effusion , pleural effusion , surgery , catheter , myocardial infarction
Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) has revolutionized the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). IPC is relatively safe, although complications can occur. We report a 53‐year‐old woman with stage IVA lung adenocarcinoma and recurrent MPE. Two months post insertion, the IPC was blocked with residual effusion and presence of new loculations. Attempts to restore patency with six doses of intrapleural (IP) streptokinase failed. She was referred to our centre for further management. We used a single dose of 2.5 mg IP alteplase which was successful in establishing patency of the IPC and draining the effusion. This case highlights the safety and efficacy of IP alteplase via IPC following a failed instillation of streptokinase.