Extravasation of Epirubicin chemotherapy from a port-a-cath causing extensive breast necrosis: Sequential imaging findings and management of a breast cancer patient

Abstract

Extravasation of chemotherapy is rare with an estimated incidence of 0.01%-7% but can cause significant morbidity, delay in cancer treatment and potential mortality. We present a case of 55-year-old woman with a metastatic right axillary lymph node with no identifiable breast primary, commenced on chemotherapy as per multidisciplinary team decision. Extravasation of 25 mls of Epirubicin chemotherapy at the porta-a-cath (site) caused extensive inflammatory change in the breast parenchyma and chest wall with a necrotic ulcerating skin-defect. Even with ensuring port or peripheral catheter patency and position, extravasation can occur. This is the first case report to describe the use of MRI to help plan management, identifying the extent of the tissue damage and vascular compromise which could impair healing. In this case the necrotic ulcer was managed with surgical debridement and human ADM matrix (Matriderm dermal matrix) which has not been described in the literature previously.

Keywords

• Extravasation
• Chemotherapy
• Necrosis
• Breast
• MRI
• Skin necrosis