Echocardiographic assessment of right atrial thrombus related to the implanted port device in patient receiving chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The case of a potentially life-threatening complication related to the use of implanted port device in a 8 year old Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma patient receiving chemotherapy is described. The device was inserted in early 1997 and used repeatedly for chemotherapy without any complications. In late 1997 during routine screening for cardiac left ventricular function before re-introduction of chemotherapy, an abnormal 1.

[Right atrial thrombus complicating chemotherapy by central venous catheterization in a child with Hodgkin's disease].

The atrial catheter (subcutaneous port) was used in a 5 year old boy with Hodgkin's disease for the administration of antineoplastic agents and other drugs. Catheter was flushed daily or every 2 weeks with heparin solution (5 U/ml)). The complications including infection and occlusion were not observed in this patient during observation time.

[Central venous catheters with subcutaneous ports for long-term chemotherapy in pediatric oncology].

In 29 paediatric oncology patients requiring intravenous chemotherapy, intravenous antibiotics intravenous fluids and blood products transfusions the central venous catheters with subcutaneous ports were inserted. Catheters were left in place for the period lasting from two weeks up to one year in 14 children they still remain in place, 6 catheters were removed due to complications such as occlusion, local necrosis, abscess or bleeding around the place of insertion. The described method, securing long-term venous access, enables safe and painless treatment, which is specially important in paediatric oncology.