[A case of essential thrombocythemia with pulmonary hypertension and bilateral pleural effusions]

A 79-year-old woman was admitted with general fatigue. Chest roentgenogram showed diffuse reticular shadows and bilateral pleural effusion. Peripheral blood studies revealed an elevation of platelet count (203.3 X 104/mm3). The case was diagnosed as essential thrombocythemia and treated with ACNU. The platelet count decreased. Bilateral pleural effusions increased gradually and their characteristics changed from bloody exudate to transudate. Biopsy of her pleura and thoracoscopy were carried out without significant results. Later, systemic edema, which suggested right heart failure, developed. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure was made by echocardiogram and right cardiac catheterization. Because perfusion scan of the lung revealed some perfusion defects, complication of pulmonary embolism was suspected. Bilateral pleural effusion and pulmonary artery pressure decreased with treatment by nifedipine, furosemide and isosorbide dinitrate. This is the first case report of essential thrombocythemia, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure and bilateral pleural effusion.