[Pleurodesis with tetracyclines after fontan operation]

Chemical pleurodesis consists of the fusion of both pleural layers after contact with certain substances, and is used in the treatment of prolonged or recurrent pleural effusions refractory to other therapeutic approaches. This procedure has been extensively used in adults with malignant pleural effusion but has rarely been used in children. The Fontan technique is used in the treatment of tricuspid atresia and other heart diseases that act as a single ventricle. This technique frequently presents complications due to fluid retention (edema, ascites, pleural and pericardial effusions and protein-losing enteropathy). With persistent or recurrent pleural effusion, chemical pleurodesis through the drainage tube might constitute a safe and reliable alternative treatment. We report the case of a female patient with tricuspid atresia, who presented recurrent pleural effusion after undergoing the Fontan procedure. The disorder was resolved by chemical pleurodesis with tetracycline.