A Case of Lung Cancer: Malignant Pericardial Effusion Which Was Drained by Subcutaneously Placed Port System

Abstract

Pericardial effusion due to malignancy often needs drainage, however, it is difficult to repeat to puncture, especially in the case of little effusion space. Here we report a case of non-small cell lung cancer, 71 years old male, who was diagnosed in 2012 and had malignant pericardial effusion as a post-operative recurrence in June 2018. After several chemotherapy regimens, he suffered from dyspnea on effort due to increasing pericardial effusion. We performed pericardial drainage, but 2 months later pericardial effusion had increased again. The need of repeating of pericardial drainage was estimated, so we placed subcutaneously placed port system into his pericardial space. Thereafter, we drained pericardial effusion through it on demand for his dyspnea. Gradually his circulatory status had been exacerbated and he died on 36th day after the procedure. In the case of malignant pericardial effusion, the subcutaneously placed port system may be useful because repeated aspiration can be done by single procedure of pericardial puncture. It may keep quality of life of patients and more cases should be experienced and assessed.