Hoarseness: an unusual complication of port-A catheter perforation.

BACKGROUND

A port-A catheter implantation for cancer patients is popular as a route for chemotherapy. Potential complications exist, such as perforation during chemotherapeutic agent infusion, especially when the port-A tip is incorrectly positioned or when it is in long-term use.

CASE REPORT: We report on a patient who presented with hoarseness as a result of port-A catheter perforation-related mediastinitis subsequent to chemotherapeutic agent infusion through the catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

Hoarseness is a rare complication of port-A perforation and extravasation. To avoid perforation, the tip of the catheter should be located in a high-flow vessel, such as the distal superior vena cava rather than higher in the caval vein, to prevent a locally increased concentration of drugs. We also recommend that a venogram be arranged if extravasation is suspected.