Re ‐establishing indwelling pleural catheter patency with alteplase after failure of streptokinase

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 fu rther 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.
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research