Peritoneovenous shunt for intractable malignant ascites. A single case report of metastatic peritoneal mesothelioma implanted via LeVeen shunt.

A patient with malignant ascites refractory to conservative and conventional therapy underwent peritoneovenous shunt. The shunt provided palliation for 7 months with relief of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia and with decrease of weight and abdominal girth. There was no need for repeated paracenteses, which had been required before shunting. The patient's strength increased. However, increasing shortness of breath developed approximately 6 to 7 months after insertion of the shunt. The shunt was associated with extensive metastatic dissemination of peritoneal mesothelioma to both lungs. It is suggested that peritoneal mesothelioma is a contraindication for peritoneovenous shunt.