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

• Main Authors: Mohamed Faisal, Siti Nurhanis, Nik Nuratiqah Nik Abeed, Boon Hau Ng, Andrea Yu‐Lin Ban
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2020-10-01
• Series: Respirology Case Reports
• Subjects: Alteplase; blocked; indwelling pleural catheter; malignant pleural effusion; streptokinase
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1002/rcr2.639

Abstract 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.