A Case of Pleural Effusion and Pulmonary Edema Caused by Calcium Channel Blockers in a Patient of Systemic Hypertension

ABSTRACT

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are very popular drugs to lower blood pressure (BP) without significant side effects. A 72-year-old man admitted for uncontrolled hypertension. He had history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response, angina, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and stage 3 chronic kidney disease. He had taken several anti-hypertensives, such as amlodipine 5 mg, perindopril 8 mg, and indepamide 1.5 mg. To control BP, nifedipine 120 mg was added. Then pulmonary edema and pleural effusion was developed. Echocardiography showed preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and mild mitral regurgitation. Fluid restriction and high dose furosemide did not cease pleural fluid accumulation. Thus a total of 4 times of thoracentesis were done and all fluid analyses revealed transudate. We thought that pleural effusion and pulmonary edema was induced by CCBs and discontinued the drugs. He recovered quickly and finally discharged in a stable condition.