AN UNUSUAL CASE OF BREAST SWELLING AFTER THORACOSTOMY

TOPIC: Procedures TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic pleural effusions are commonly managed with invasive procedures including thoracentesis or tube thoracostomies. However, these carry risks such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and infection. Minor complications of pain cough also well known. We report the first case subcutaneous edema without seroma following pigtail catheter use for fluid drainage. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old female a history chronic kidney disease stage 5 moderate-to-large right-sided effusion, suspected due to volume overload, prior diuretic treatment presented progressive shortness breath 2 weeks. Computed tomography (CT) chest revealed large effusion compression atelectasis. was placed between right anterior-mid axillary line at 5th intercostal space level. 2.5 liters were gradually drained over course days. Repeat x-ray decreased size partially dislodged catheter. Patient reported improvement in her breathing oxygenating on room air. The subsequently removed. PF showed exudative, monocyte predominant which negative malignant cells. No organisms grown cultures. During hospital stay, patient newly diagnosed cirrhosis liver mild ascites. discharged home stable condition. Four days later, returned breast swelling discomfort two (Fig 1,2). afebrile. leukocytosis noted. CT recurrent wall visible collection. extravasation fluid. Pleural removed by new Breast improved. DISCUSSION: is an uncommon complication after thoracoscopy. Subcutaneous has incidence approximately 0.8% [1,2]. seroma, our case, never been reported. risk unknown, however, it may be elevated patients effusions, end-stage renal disease, ascites dislodgment. CONCLUSIONS: This illustrates exceedingly rare drainage thoracostomy need high index suspicion identifying most risk. REFERENCE #1: Chen CH, Tu CY. diagnostic thoracentesis. CMAJ. 2011;183(3):345. #2: Seneff MG, Corwin RW, Gold LH, Irwin RS. Complications associated thoracocentesis. Chest. 1986;90(1):97-100 DISCLOSURES: relevant relationships Humayun Anjum, source=Web Response Employee relationship HCA Healthcare Please note: 7/1/2020-present Added 04/17/2021 Liane De Guzman, Response, value=Grant/Research Support Alamgir Khan, Salim Surani, Pahnwat Taweesedt,