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Updated: Aug 10, 2025

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Primary Effusion Lymphoma: A Rare and Challenging Diagnosis for Recurrent Pleural Effusion
Letícia Jacome Pereira1, Sara Mohrbacher1, Precil Diego Miranda de Menezes Neves1
1Internal Medicine Service, Oswaldo Cruz German Hospital, São Paulo 01323-020, Brazil.
Abstract:
Primary Effusion Lymphoma is an extremely rare and aggressive subtype of B-cell lymphoma, accounting for only <1% of all cases of this neoplasm. It has a unique clinical presentation because it has a predilection for appearing in body cavities, such as the pleural space, pericardium and peritoneum. It mainly affects immunocompromised individuals and may also affect individuals in the Mediterranean region and in areas endemic for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Herein, we report the case of an 83-year-old immunocompetent male complaining of coughing, fever and progressive dyspnea for 3 days. His past medical history revealed a recurrent pleural effusion for the last three years, as well as losing weight and malaise. A subsequent investigation revealed a PEL diagnosis of the pleura.
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