Pleuroperitoneal shunt for pneumonectomy cavity malignant effusion

Delayed mediastinal shift toward the remaining lung is an unusual cause of postpneumonectomy dyspnea. We report a patient who developed severe dyspnea when a malignant effusion occurred in the pneumonectomy cavity and caused a contralateral mediastinal shift. Repeated thoracentesis was needed until insertion of a pleuroperitoneal shunt effected palliation.