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Pleural effusion due to lymphatic filariasis
1Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry.
Summary
A case of pleural effusion was successfully treated with diethyl carbamazine after microfilariae were found on pleural biopsy. Filarial cause is important for idiopathic pleural effusions in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Parasitology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pleural effusion is a common clinical condition with diverse etiologies.
- Idiopathic pleural effusions present a diagnostic challenge.
- Filarial infections are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
Observation:
- A patient presented with pleural effusion.
- Histopathological examination of pleural biopsy revealed microfilariae.
- The patient received treatment with diethyl carbamazine.
Findings:
- Microfilariae in pleural biopsy confirmed a filarial etiology for the effusion.
- Diethyl carbamazine treatment resulted in an excellent clinical outcome.
- The case highlights a rare presentation of filariasis.
Implications:
- Filarial aetiology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pleural effusions.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of filarial pleural effusion can lead to favorable outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in respiratory diseases, particularly in endemic areas.
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