Malignant pleural effusions: treatment with small-bore-catheter thoracostomy and talc pleurodesis.

Marom, E M; Patz, E F; Erasmus, J J; McAdams, H P; Goodman, P C; Herndon, J E · Radiology · 1999

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

Thirty-two patients with a known primary malignancy and a symptomatic malignant pleural effusion underwent small-bore-catheter thoracostomy and talc pleurodesis. Twenty-three patients (72%) had a complete response; four (12%), a partial response; and five (16%), no response. Symptoms in all those who responded were clinically improved. Complications included fever in 13 patients (41%) and moderate shortness of breath, chest pain, or both in six (19%). Small-bore-catheter thoracostomy and talc pleurodesis was successful in treating malignant pleural effusions.

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