[Sodium valproate-induced pleural effusion: When it changes sides!]

Abstract

Introduction: Pleural fluid effusion is a possible harmful effect of sodium valproate. It most often consists in polynuclear eosinophilic pleurisy and occurs within months of treatment initiation.

Case report: We report on a case of sodium valproate-induced pleural effusion occurring more than 12years after initiation of treatment. The original formula was variegated and not eosinophilic. The patient exhibited contralateral recurrence with continued treatment. Once treatment was discontinued, there was no recurrence during three-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Sodium valproate-induced pleural effusion can present an atypical polymorphous picture leading to erroneous diagnoses.

Keywords: Drug-induced pleural effusion; Eosinophilic pleural effusion; Exudative pleural effusion; Pleural effusion; Pleurésie exsudative; Pleurésie médicamenteuse; Pleurésie éosinophilique; Sodium valproate; Valproate de sodium.