Valproic Acid Induced Pleural Effusion: A Rare Clinical and Pathophysiological Entity

Efthymia Papadopoulou,Dimitrios Vlachopoulos,Athina Georgopoulou,Maria Saroglou,Stavros Tryfon,Eva Serasli

doi:10.15344/2456-8007/2020/150

Efthymia Papadopoulou, Dimitrios Vlachopoulos + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15344/2456-8007/2020/150

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Abstract

Introduction: Among the reported cases of valproic acid - induced pleural effusion, recurrence of pleural fluid accumulation has scarcely been presented in the literature. Case presentation: This case study reports a 51-year-old man under treatment with valproic acid, who presented with recurrent pleural effusion characterized by transition from eosinophilic to lymphocytic predominance. The recurrence of the effusion upon re-administration of the drug, along with its resolution upon discontinuation of treatment with valproic acid, is strongly indicative of a causative association. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of recurrent valproic acid - induced pleural effusion presenting with transition from eosinophilic to lymphocytic predominance. We aim to highlight the importance of taking into consideration the causative role of valproic acid in inducing pleural effusion, even when the pleural fluid demonstrates alteration in the predominant cell type.

Highlights

We aim to highlight the importance of reactions, Eosinophilic pleural taking into consideration the causative role of valproic acid in inducing pleural effusion, even when the effusion, Lymphocytic pleural pleural fluid demonstrates alteration in the predominant cell type
This case study describes a 51-year-old man under treatment with valproic acid, who presented with recurrent pleural effusion characterized by transition from eosinophilic to lymphocytic predominance
Among the reported cases of valproic acid - induced pleural effusions, recurrence of pleural fluid accumulation has scarcely been presented in the literature

Summary

Conclusion

This is the first reported case of recurrent valproic acid - induced pleural effusion presenting with transition from eosinophilic to lymphocytic predominance. Recurrence of the pleural effusion upon re-administration of valproic acid, along with resolution of the effusion upon discontinuation of treatment with valproic acid, is strongly indicative of a causative association, even though the predominant cell type is not preserved. All other etiologic factors are to be rigorously excluded before such an association is made

Introduction

Discussion