Elevated glucose in pleural effusion: an early clue to esophageal perforation

Abstract

Esophageal perforation is a rare cause of pleural effusions that carries with it a high mortality rate if diagnosis is delayed. The chemical characteristics of the pleural effusion include high amylase and low pH levels. However, these variables are nonspecific. We present a case of pleural effusion in a patient with markedly elevated glucose levels from recent cola ingestion as a specific clue to the diagnosis of esophageal perforation.