Use of Medical Thoracoscopy for Retrieval of Broken Intrapleural Catheter.

Small-bore pleural catheters are used to drain simple effusions effectively. They are less invasive and more comfortable than tube thoracostomy. As with any other intervention, these small catheters have their associated complications. Herein, we report a case of a young woman who was diagnosed with tuberculous pleural effusion. Easydrain pleural catheter was inserted to drain the effusion; it broke in situ because of improper insertion and was later removed using medical thoracoscopy. We emphasize on the need for proper training for doctors and staff regarding these procedures to avoid undue complications. We have also highlighted the importance of medical thoracoscopy in the removal of retained intrapleural foreign bodies.

Black pleural effusion: an unusual presentation of metastatic melanoma diagnosed by medical thoracoscopy.

Melanoma presenting with black pleural effusion is rare, with only five cases reported till date. In distinction to others, this is the only case where patient did not have a prior diagnosis of melanoma and was diagnosed by thoracoscopy. Reported is the case of a 49-year-old male who presented with dyspnoea and weight loss. Patient had a large left-sided pleural effusion. Ultrasound showed thickened irregular pleura and multiloculated pleural effusion. Diagnostic pleural aspiration was performed, and fluid was black in colour and was exudative lymphocytic. Atypical cells were noted on pleural fluid cytology. Medical thoracoscopy was carried out and histopathology suggested metastatic melanoma. Patient had multiple nevi all over the body, but clinically none was indicative of melanoma. He refused skin biopsy. The case was referred to medical oncology where palliative management was planned. Patient died within two weeks of diagnosis.