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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1999;16:469-470
© 1999 Elsevier Science NL

Case report

Overdose of tetracycline for pleurodesis leading to chemical burns of the pleura

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK

Corresponding author. Tel.: +44-161-276-8521; fax: +44-161-276-8522
e-mail: hchaugle{at}hotmail.com

Chemical pleurodesis using tetracycline is an accepted and commonly employed treatment of pneumothorax and pleural effusions. We describe a case of chemical burn of the pleura in a ventilated 41-year-old who came to thoracotomy after 3 days of continuous intrapleural infusion of tetracycline at another hospital. To our knowledge this has not been previously reported although other adverse effects of this procedure are documented. We suggest that damage to the pleura and underlying lung may occur if excessive amounts of tetracycline are used in attempted pleurodesis.

Key Words: Tetracycline • Pleurodesis