Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
06:59
Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
749
[Pleuro-pericarditis developed under a leflunomide therapy].
F Vandenbos1, M Figueredo2, A Tarhini2
1Service de pneumologie, hôpital Clavary, BP 53149, 06135 Grasse cedex, France; Centre de soins de suite et de rééducation « La Maison du Mineur », 577, avenue Henri-Giraud, 06141 Vence, France.
Revue De Pneumologie Clinique
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Leflunomide, an immunosuppressant for arthritis, can rarely cause serious lung disease. This case highlights pleuro-pericarditis as a potential side effect, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Leflunomide is an effective immunosuppressant for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
- A rare but serious side effect of leflunomide is interstitial lung disease, often appearing early in treatment.
- Close medical supervision in a hospital setting is recommended for leflunomide initiation.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman developed pleuro-pericarditis.
- Her condition was associated with elevated CA 125 levels.
- These symptoms emerged during leflunomide therapy.
Findings:
- This report details the second known case of pleuro-pericarditis linked to leflunomide.
- Discontinuation of leflunomide led to a favorable outcome for the patient.
- The findings suggest a potential causal relationship between leflunomide and pleuro-pericarditis.
Implications:
- Physicians should be vigilant for pleuro-pericarditis in patients treated with leflunomide.
- Elevated CA 125 may serve as a marker for this rare adverse event.
- Early recognition and drug withdrawal are crucial for managing leflunomide-induced pleuro-pericarditis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
594
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
594
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
714
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
714
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
556
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
556
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
1.3K
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
1.3K
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
600
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
600
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
999
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
999