Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
617
Crohn's disease presenting with pleural effusion: a case report
Harem K Ahmed1,2, Dilan S Hiwa1, Soran H Tahir1,3
1Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Kurdistan, Iraq.
Oxford Medical Case Reports
|October 14, 2024
Summary
This study details an extremely rare case of Crohn's disease (CD) presenting as isolated bilateral pleural effusion. This pulmonary manifestation, characterized by cough and chest pain, highlights the diverse and unusual ways CD can manifest.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Pulmonology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition.
- Extraintestinal manifestations occur in approximately 25% of CD patients.
- Pulmonary involvement in CD is uncommon, with pleural effusion being particularly rare.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with persistent dry cough, pleuritic chest pain, and dyspnea.
- Initial investigations revealed bilateral mild pleural effusion on chest CT.
- Symptoms were partially relieved by symptomatic treatment, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal involvement, including occasional black stools.
- Elevated serum calprotectin levels were detected.
- Colonoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, establishing the link to the pulmonary findings.
Implications:
- This case underscores that isolated pleural effusion, though rare, can be a pulmonary manifestation of Crohn's disease.
- Clinicians should consider CD in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pleural effusion, especially with concurrent gastrointestinal symptoms.
- The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach in patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease and atypical symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
155
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:
155
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
654
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
654
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
191
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
191
01:27Pneumothorax-II
123
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
123
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
397
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
397
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
185
The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
185