Port-Associated Thrombosis in Cancer Patients. Case Series

Abstract

Based on the Oncology Department of the Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, an analysis of the follow-up of patients who had venous port-systems installed was performed to evaluate in order to assess venous thromboembolic complications (VTEC) and correct anticoagulant therapy to prevent VTEC. The incidence of thrombosis associated with the inserted venous port system was 5.3 %. We present 4 clinical cases of patients who were diagnosed with VTEC on the background of installed port-systems. Three patients had port-systems removed due to direct indications to avoid further complications. One patient was treated with anticoagulant therapy in therapeutic doses after thrombus of the superior vena cava was detected flotating into the right atrium cavity, which prevented the development of further complications and preserved the functioning venous port-system in order to continue antitumor treatment. The installation of venous port systems may be accompanied by thromboembolic complications and requires patient monitoring. Provision of permanent venous access in patients subject to long-term anticancer drug therapy dictates that port systems should be maintained, even in the event of complications, if conservative therapy is effective and functioning properly. The current clinical guidelines for the prevention of VTEC do not fully address the problem of port-associated thrombosis, which requires an individual approach to patients and further study of the problem.