Pleural and Pericardial Effusions Associated with Semaglutide: A Case Report

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has gained increasing popularity for managing both type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, as its use increases, new adverse events are emerging. This case report presents a 70-year-old patient who developed pleural and pericardial effusions likely related to semaglutide use.

Four weeks after being prescribed semaglutide, a 70-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath. Diagnostic testing in the ED and hospital revealed that she had both pericardial and exudative pleural effusions, along with a positive anti-nuclear antibody and elevated inflammatory markers. Her signs and symptoms improved with steroid administration, and no other etiology was identified.

The patient was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus, likely triggered by semaglutide. This case underscores the importance of recognizing and investigating uncommon drug-related complications. With the growing use of semaglutide, clinicians must remain vigilant for rare adverse effects such as pleural effusions to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.