An elusive cause of pleural effusion. (20th August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saha, Manish K; Hamieh, Tarek
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2012
• Publication Date: 2012-08-20
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-01-2012-5616
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 32-year-old man was admitted with cerebrospinal fluid leakage from a right scalp surgical wound after a resection of recurrent meningioma and reconstruction of skull with muscle flap 3 weeks earlier. On day 4 of admission, he was found to be tachycardic and decreased breath sounds on the right side. Chest x-ray revealed a large right pleural effusion which was found to be exudative after thoracocentesis. Infectious work-up and cytology was negative. CT showed both parietal and visceral pleural masses, which was consistent with meningioma on ultrasound-guided biopsy. He underwent right-side decortication and pleurodesis for recurrent pleural effusion. He declined further treatment and opted for hospice care and expired a month later.