title: Thromboembolism related to a Port-a-Cath device in a patient with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: The case is described of a potentially life threatening complication relating to the use of a totally implantable venous access device (Port-a-Cath) in a 28 year old patient with cystic fibrosis. The device was inserted in 1990 and used repeatedly for antibiotic therapy without any complications. In 1995, during assessment for double lung transplantation, a 3 cm thrombus was found at the tip of the catheter in the right atrium. Embolisation of the thrombus to the pulmonary arteries occurred after the infusion of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Thrombus formation may be associated with totally implantable venous access devices and thromboembolism may occur following the use of thrombolytic agents in the treatment of such thrombosis.
authors.affiliation: Section of Respiratory Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Llandough Hospital NHS Trust, South Glamorgan, UK.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yung
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Elborn
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Summers
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beckles
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Woodcock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator