Case Of Recurrent Pleural Effusion Research Articles

The Diagnostic Challenges of Pleural Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis often presents atypically, resulting in a delay in diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of recurrent pleural effusion in an immunocompetent patient due to pleural tuberculosis. We also discuss the diagnostic challenges and the role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis.

Bridging the Divisum: A Rare Case of Pancreaticopleural Fistula in the Setting of Complete Pancreatic Divisum Treated Endoscopically

A pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis that occurs either due to a pancreatic duct disruption or a pseudocyst extension. A pancreatic divisum, on the other hand, is a common anatomic variant of the pancreas that is rarely symptomatic. We describe a case of recurrent pleural effusion in a patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis. Investigations revealed the presence of a PPF and a concomitant complete pancreatic divisum. There was resolution of the pleural effusion on endoscopic therapy. This is the fourth reported case of a PPF in the setting of complete pancreatic divisum and the first reported case in a middle-aged female.

A case of recurrent pleural effusion: Can we think beyond tuberculosis and malignancy?

Pleural effusion can occur due to a variety of causes such as infectious, neoplastic, inflammatory, autoimmune, traumatic, etc. Recurrent pleural effusions have always been a diagnostic challenge. Here, we present a case of recurrent exudative pleural effusion in a male patient, which was the first clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Of note was the absence of articular involvement at the onset of the disease. The low glucose concentration, low pH and low C4 level in the pleural fluid were the most valuable findings to distinguish it from tuberculous and malignant pleural effusions. Pleural biopsy also helped in making such a distinction. Thus, in a patient with recurrent pleural effusion, rheumatoid etiology should also be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis.

An Unusual Case of Recurrent Pleural Effusion in a Child

Traumatic pancreatitis in children rarely results in the development of a recalcitrant pleural effusion, secondary to a connection between the pleural cavity and the pancreas. This child presented with predominantly respiratory symptoms of an underlying abdominal condition. Patients with large, recurring pleural effusions may have underlying pancreatitis with a pancreaticopleural fistula. It is important to establish this diagnosis because treatment may require operative interventions as in the index case. Keywords Traumatic pancreatitis, Recurrent pleural effusion, Pancreaticopleural fistula, Pancreatic pseudocyst, Children. > African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol. 3 (2) 2006: pp. 80-82