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[A case of post-traumatic bilateral eosinophilic pleural effusion]
Akihiro Yoshimoto1, Masaki Fujimura, Hiroyuki Nakamura
1Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama City Hospital, Imaizumihokubucho 2-1, Toyama, 939-8511, Japan.
Summary
Chest trauma can lead to post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion, a rare condition. This case highlights its association with inflammatory markers and potential immune system involvement.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chest trauma can result in various thoracic complications.
- Pleural effusion, the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, can have diverse etiologies.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male presented with chest pain post-trauma, followed by recurrence with fever and dyspnea.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusion with a significant increase in eosinophils within the pleural fluid.
- Peripheral eosinophil counts fluctuated, peaking during effusion exacerbation.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with post-traumatic bilateral eosinophilic pleural effusion, characterized as exudative.
- Leukocyte count was 7,900/microliter with 9% eosinophils, and C-reactive protein was 17.0 mg/dl.
- Antibiotic therapy led to clinical improvement and resolution of pleural effusion.
Implications:
- Post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion may present with systemic inflammatory findings.
- The underlying mechanism is hypothesized to involve an immunological reaction.
- This case underscores the importance of considering eosinophilic pleural effusion in trauma patients with unexplained effusions.