Do hepatic artery infusion pumps cause recurrent pleural effusions?

Abstract

Hepatic artery infusion pump chemotherapy (HAIPC) for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is a new technique in the treatment of CRLM, whose side effects are not well studied. Case Report: This paper aims to understand the side effect profile of HAIPC as it relates to recurrent pleural effusions. This is a case report of a 48-year-old male with CRLM being treated with HAIPC, who presents with recurrent pleural effusions found to be benign/transudative after right-side video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Discussion: This study suggests that HAIPC causes recurrent sympathetic pleural effusions as a side effect of the perihepatic inflammation of the localized chemotherapy treatment. Furthermore, we question if sympathetic pleural effusions are a prelude to hepatic toxicity from HAIPC. Lastly, this paper aims to guide the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions in the cancer patient being treated with HAIPC.