Lymphocytic pleural exudate in a patient receiving amiodarone.
We present a patient who developed a unilateral, exudative pleural effusion without concomitant pulmonary parenchymal disease while being treated with amiodarone. Previous attempts to discontinue amiodarone therapy and substitute alternative antiarrhythmics resulted in recurrence of life-threatening arrhythmias. We chose to continue amiodarone and observe the response to a brief course of oral corticosteroids. The pleural effusion resolved quickly and had not recurred after 36 months of observation.
Carmichael
L C
LC
Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenessee, USA.
Newman
J H
JH
D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000638:Amiodarone; D011241:Prednisone