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Pleural Effusion Induced by Systemic Consumption of Topical Minoxidil: A Rare Case Report
Sri Hari Tanguturi Yella1, Kistigari Satyanarayana Pramod Kumar1, Sree Sudha Tanguturi Yella2
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, KIMS Hospital, Telangana, India.
Introduction:
Pleural effusions can be caused by several conditions such as cancer, connective tissue disease, and infection. They are occasionally caused due to the adverse drug reaction. Most commonly, systemic minoxidil use can cause pleural effusions in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of a patient without chronic kidney disease who developed pleural effusion as a result of unintentional use of topical minoxidil orally. The patient's oxygen saturation was 90% on room air; there was dullness to percussion and asymmetrical chest expansion with diminished air entry on both sides. In chest x-ray there were bilateral pleural opacities. Minimal pleural effusions were shown in ultrasonography of the chest. The patient was managed with diuretics and airway management which resolved completely.
Conclusion:
Minoxidil is a commonly used drug by many people for the treatment of hair fall with or without doctor advice. We would like to stress that even though rare, physicians/pulmonologists should be aware of the rare side effects of topical minoxidil, and it should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis for pleural effusion.
Insights
Topical minoxidil, when taken orally, can cause pleural effusion even in individuals without chronic kidney disease. This rare adverse drug reaction highlights the importance of considering minoxidil as a potential cause of pleural effusion.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Pleural effusions are commonly associated with conditions like cancer, infections, and connective tissue diseases.
- Adverse drug reactions are an occasional cause of pleural effusions.
- Systemic minoxidil use is a known cause of pleural effusions, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Observation:
- A case is presented of a patient without chronic kidney disease who developed pleural effusion.
- The effusion resulted from unintentional oral ingestion of topical minoxidil.
- Clinical presentation included hypoxia, dullness to percussion, asymmetrical chest expansion, diminished air entry, and bilateral opacities on chest x-ray.
Findings:
- Chest x-ray revealed bilateral pleural opacities.
- Chest ultrasonography confirmed minimal pleural effusions.
- The patient's condition resolved completely with diuretic and airway management.
Implications:
- Topical minoxidil is widely used for hair loss, often without medical supervision.
- Physicians and pulmonologists should be aware of rare side effects of topical minoxidil.
- Pleural effusion should be considered a potential differential diagnosis in cases of minoxidil exposure.
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