Valproic acid-induced eosinophilic pleural effusion: a case report and review of the literature.
We present a case of eosinophilic pleural effusion due to valproic acid (VPA), a rare adverse event that has been reported previously. A 30-year-old male patient presented with respiratory symptoms and right-sided pleuritic pain, within days of initiation of VPA treatment for a generalized seizure. Chest radiography revealed a moderate-sized right-sided pleural effusion, which was an exudate with a pH of 7.54 and 48% eosinophils. Symptoms resolved soon after discontinuation of the drug, as did the effusion in a repeat radiograph 3 weeks later. The likelihood that VPA was the cause of the effusion is examined.
Department of Internal Medicine, Bikur Cholim Hospital, 5 Strauss Street, Jerusalem, Israel.
Zvi
Z
Kamenetsky
Nael
N
Da'as
Yaacov
Y
Esayag
Yosef
Y
Kleinman
Noah
N
Samuels
D000328:Adult; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014635:Valproic Acid