Tuberc Respir Dis.  2013 Oct;75(4):161-164.

Intrapleural Corticosteroid Injection in Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion Associated with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease

• Kim E
• Kim C
• Yang B
• Kim M
• Kang J
• Lee J

Abstract

Eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is defined as a pleural effusion that contains at least 10% eosinophils. EPE occurs due to a variety of causes such as blood or air in the pleural space, infection, malignancy, or an autoimmune disease. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) associated with eosinophilic pleural effusion is a rare condition generally characterized by the presence of the signs and symptoms but not fulfilling the existing classification criteria. We report a case involving a 67-year-old man with UCTD and EPE, who has been successfully treated with a single intrapleural corticosteroid injection.

Keyword

Pleural Effusion; Instillation; Methyprednisolone; Eosinophilia; Connective Tissue Diseases

MeSH Terms

Aged
Autoimmune Diseases
Connective Tissue Diseases*
Connective Tissue*
Eosinophilia
Eosinophils*
Humans
Pleural Effusion*

Figure

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  Figure 1 (A) Baseline chest X-ray image shows blunting of the left costophrenic angle. (B) Chest computed tomography scan taken after therapeutic thoracentesis reveals pleural thickening and calcification on the right posterior pleura but no nodule or mass in the parenchyma of the lungs.

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  Figure 2 (A) After 2 weeks of intrapleural steroid injection, there is a significant decrease in the pleural effusion. (B) At 1-year follow-up, no recurrence is observed.

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