Migration of silicone catheter into pleural space: a case report

Background: The totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is widely used for chemotherapy, transfusions and parenteral nutritional support. Dysfunction of TIVAP is not uncommon in clinical practice in cases of several etiologies. Herein, we report a rare case of TIVAP dysfunction due to a catheter that migrated into the pleural space. Case presentation: We present a case of a 70-year-old man of TIVAP dysfunction due to a rare catheter extra-vascular migration into the pleural space, diagnosed by computed tomography. We decided on observation without further utilization of the TIVAP and a shift to oral chemotherapy, after a discussion with patient and his primary care oncologist. Conclusion: Our case highlighted the importance of proper evaluation of TIVAP catheter location before its usage or replacement.