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[Eosinophilic pleural effusion associated with dantrolene administration].
Koshi Yokomura1, Kingo Chida, Takafumi Suda
1Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Summary
Dantrolene sodium, used for spastic paraplegia, may cause pleural effusion. This condition resolved after discontinuing the medication, highlighting potential dantrolene toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 42-year-old male patient presented with right-sided pleural effusion.
- The patient had a history of spastic paraplegia treated with dantrolene sodium for 28 months.
Observation:
- Pleural fluid analysis revealed sterile exudates with a high eosinophil count.
- Peripheral blood eosinophilia was also detected.
- Thoracoscopy showed no abnormalities, and biopsy indicated non-specific inflammation.
Findings:
- The patient's pleural effusion resolved completely within two weeks of discontinuing dantrolene therapy.
- This suggests a direct causal link between dantrolene sodium and the development of eosinophilic pleural effusion.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider dantrolene sodium toxicity in patients presenting with unexplained pleural effusion, particularly those on long-term therapy.
- Monitoring for respiratory symptoms and pleural effusions is crucial in patients receiving dantrolene sodium for spastic paraplegia.