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Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia presenting with recurrent massive bilateral pleural effusion : case report
Y S Samman1, S O Wali, M A Abdelaal
1Department of Medicine, King Khalid National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sammanys@ngha.med.sa
Chest
|March 13, 2001
Summary
A rare case of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) caused respiratory failure due to massive pleural effusion. This condition was successfully treated with steroids and ventilatory support, with no relapse on long-term follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the lung parenchyma.
- While CEP typically presents with cough and dyspnea, severe complications like respiratory failure are uncommon.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old woman with CEP presented with acute respiratory failure secondary to massive bilateral pleural effusion.
- This presentation is a previously unreported complication of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.
Findings:
- The patient required ventilatory support for respiratory failure.
- Treatment with systemic steroid therapy led to successful management of the pleural effusion and respiratory compromise.
- Long-term follow-up showed sustained remission with a low-dose prednisone maintenance regimen.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but severe presentation of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.
- It underscores the importance of considering and managing pleural effusions in CEP, even when presenting atypically.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including steroids, can lead to favorable outcomes in severe CEP cases.