Valproic acid-induced eosinophilic pleural effusion: a case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of valproic acid-induced eosinophilic pleural effusion and to review the existing literature.


METHODS
A 25-year-old African-American man receiving valproic acid, 250 mg/d, had a moderate-sized right pleural effusion. Pleural fluid analysis revealed 75% eosinophils. The patient had no evidence of parasitic infection, hemothorax, or pneumothorax. One month after valproic acid was discontinued, there was no evidence of a pleural effusion by both chest radiography and thoracic ultrasonography.


CONCLUSIONS
Valproic acid-induced pleural effusions have been reported in the medical literature in 5 case reports. Pleural fluid eosinophilia is almost always related to pneumothorax, hemothorax, parasitic infection, or drug toxicity; therefore, when the first 3 causes have been eliminated, a drug should be suspected. Only a few medications are known to cause pleural fluid eosinophilia, one being valproic acid. The Naranjo probability scale rated this adverse reaction as probably drug-related.


CONCLUSIONS
In all 6 patients discussed in this review, the pleural effusions resolved after discontinuation of the valproic acid. None of these patients had associated pulmonary infiltrates. Valproic acid eosinophilia may be associated with peripheral blood eosinophilia. Valproic acid should be added to the list of medications that can cause an eosinophilic pleural effusion.
Bullington
Wendy
W
Department of Pharmacy Services and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425 , USA.
Sahn
Steven A
SA
Judson
Marc A
MA
D000328:Adult; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014635:Valproic Acid