Palliative Intermittent Drainage of Neoplastic Pericardial Effusions with a Permanent Subcutaneous Pleural Access Port.

Abstract

Recurrent pericardial effusion (PE) with cardiac tamponade due to a cardiac mass was identified in two dogs. Cytology of the masses was consistent with a malignant epithelial tumor with a neuroendocrine appearance in both cases. Given the location and description, an ectopic thyroid carcinoma was considered the most likely cytological diagnosis. Pericardiectomy and chemotherapy were proposed in both cases, but the owners declined to perform any invasive surgical treatment, and an alternative option was offered to palliate the symptoms associated with PE. Placement of a subcutaneous pleural access port in the pericardial cavity was achieved to drain the PE and avoid the need to perform serial percutaneous pericardiocentesis. The placement of a subcutaneous access port appeared to be safe and well tolerated in two patients for whom more invasive treatment was declined and may be considered for future similar cases.