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Case Reports
. 2015 Oct 13:16:143-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2015.09.011. eCollection 2015.

Sarcoidosis as unusual cause of massive pleural effusion

Sharad Joshi  1 , Pallavi Periwal  1 , Vikas Dogra  1 , Deepak Talwar  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Sarcoidosis as unusual cause of massive pleural effusion

Sharad Joshi et al. Respir Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Pleural involvement is relatively rare. Development of pleural effusion in sarcoidosis needs to be evaluated for other causes, especially tuberculosis in endemic countries. Sarcoid pleural effusion responds to systemic corticosteroids. We are presenting case of 42 year old male patient of sarcoidosis who developed massive pleural effusion while on treatment with steroids, which was attributed to disease per se. Sarcoidosis as a cause of massive pleural effusion has not been mentioned before in published literature.

Keywords: Effusion; Sarcoidosis; Thoracoscopy.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A: Chest X-ray in previous admission-showing Diffuse nodular shadows. B: CT-chest on previous admission – showing diffuse micronodules with prediliction for fissures and bronchovascular bundles.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A: Chest X-ray on presentation-Homogenous opacity of left lower zone with blunt costophrenic angle. B: CT-chest Mediastinal window – showing Pleural effusion with atelectasis on left side. C: CT-chest Lung window.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
A: Pleuroscopic view of Visceral pleura showing multiple nodular lesions. B: Pleuroscopic View of irregular and nodular diaphragmatic pleura.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
A: Bronchoscopic Picture showing irregular and edematous bronchial mucosa (B6). B: Endobronchial Biopsy showing noncaseating epitheloid cell granulomas. C: Transbronchial lung biopsy showing ill formed epithelioid granulomas.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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