Pleurosubcutaneous fistula after percutaneous pigtail catheter insertion

Abstract

Traditionally, tube thoracostomy is used in many pulmonary disorders, such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, empyema, chylothorax, bronchopleural fistula, and pleurodesis. However, in recent years image-guided catheter insertion has provided a safe and effective alternative to tube thoracostomy. This procedure has been used in malignant pleural effusion, lung abscess, and pneumothorax. The complications of image-guided catheter insertion are uncommon, but they include intercostal vessel injury, chest pain, wound infection, chest wall hematoma, and pneumothorax. This case report describes the development of a pleurosubcutaneous fistula after the removal of a pigtail catheter in a patient with malignant pleural effusion.