Tension hydrothorax and shock in a patient with a malignant pleural effusion

Dyspnea in a Patient with Melanoma

“…Elevated intrathoracic pressure caused by the effusion impairs venous return and compresses the left ventricle, causing reduced stroke volume and subsequent hypotension 1–3. Although pleural effusions are common, occurring in more than half of all cancer patients, a tension hydrothorax due to a massive pleural effusion is a rare event 4,5. It has been reported in cancer patients and as an iatrogenic complication of surgery 1,4–6…”

“…Although pleural effusions are common, occurring in more than half of all cancer patients, a tension hydrothorax due to a massive pleural effusion is a rare event 4,5. It has been reported in cancer patients and as an iatrogenic complication of surgery 1,4–6…”

Focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE) to diagnose pleural effusions causing haemodynamic compromise

“…Furthermore, pleural collections can increase the negative circulatory effect of even small pericardial effusions [3]. Several studies have reported improved haemodynamic parameters following drainage of these pleural effusions with ranging volumes between 500 mL and 2000 mL [4][5][6][7][8].…”

Tension Hydrothorax

“…One prior clinical report of a survivor from acute hemodynamic shock secondary to malignant tension hydrothorax was located on MEDLINE. 2 The following case report illustrates the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a second patient who survived an acute malignant tension hydrothorax. The current literature regarding tension pleural effusions is reviewed.…”