Refractory Pleural Effusion in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treated by Pleurectomy

Pleural effusion is a common pulmonary manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and often occurs as bilateral exudative pleural effusion. The condition usually responds quickly to corticosteroid therapy. However, massive pleural effusion refractory to immunosuppressive drugs has rarely been reported; thus, the proper therapeutic modality is largely decided on a case-by-case basis. In this case, we describe successful treatment with surgical pleurectomy for massive refractory pleural effusion in a patient with SLE.

Failure to wean caused by cryptogenic fibrosing pleuritis and bilateral lung trapping: case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cryptogenic fibrosing pleuritis is an extremely rare disease, which can affect both lungs from a very young age. The most common finding is severe lung restriction resulting in both hypoxemic and ventilatory failure. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 26 year old with acute deterioration of chronic respiratory failure. Following admission prolonged mechanical ventilation was necessary. An atypical clinical presentation made the diagnosis difficult, but eventually cryptogenic fibrosing pleuritis and lung fibrosis were established. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic outcome of patients with the final diagnosis of cryptogenic fibrosing pleuritis is extremely poor, especially in an advanced phase of this disease. We recommend early treatment with corticosteroids or surgical pleural decortication.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Fibrose pleural idiopática é uma doença rara e pode afetar ambos pulmões já desde uma idade precoce. O achado mais comum na fibrose pleural idiopática é uma restrição pulmonar grave que pode levar a um quadro de falência respiratória e hipoxemia. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 26 anos, internado com reagudização de insuficiência respiratória crônica e submetido à ventilação mecânica prolongada. Após intensa investigação e uma apresentação clínica atípica, foi estabelecido o diagnóstico de fibrose pleural idiopática associado à fibrose pulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: O prognóstico de pacientes com fibrose pleural idiopática é extremamente ruim, particularmente em fase avançada da doença. Recomenda-se o tratamento precoce com corticosteróides ou decorticação pleural cirúrgica.

Clinical Reviews of Spontaneous Hemopneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is a rare disease and can be life threatening; it occurs in 1~12% of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. We analyzed clinical reviews and treatments, as well as complications of spontaneous hemopneumothorax patients that were treated to aid in the optimal management. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied retrospectively 30 cases with spontaneous hemopneumothorax for 11 years, from 1995 to 2006, at our hospital. RESULT: All the patients were male and most of the patients were under 30 years. The sides with the disorder were as follows: right in 15 cases and left in 15 cases. Patients showed mostly initial symptoms of chest pain, dyspnea and hypovolemic shock. All patients underwent a closed thoracostomy and 27 patients underwent surgery. Chemical pleurodesis was performed because of postoperative persistent air leakage and one case was treated in the ICU due to re-expansion pulmonary edema. There were no other complications such as fibrothorax seen during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: The most important finding is proper initial management, as the spontaneous hemopneumothorax can potentially lead to a life-threatening condition. Recently, video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is common procedure for general thoracic surgery and overcomes the weak points of performing a thoracotomy. The results of VATS are encouraging.