Eosinophilic pleural effusion related to taking valproic acid

• Published in: Revue de pneumologie clinique Vol. 67; no. 6; p. 363
• Main Authors: Bally, C, Martin, C, Kraoua, S, Kanaan, R, Lacronique, J, Dusser, D, Burgel, P-R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01-12-2011
• Subjects: Adult; Antimanic Agents - adverse effects; Blood Cell Count; Eosinophilia - chemically induced; Eosinophilia - complications; Eosinophilia - diagnostic imaging; Eosinophils - pathology; Humans; Male; Pleural Effusion - chemically induced; Pleural Effusion - complications; Pleural Effusion - diagnostic imaging; Radiography, Thoracic; Valproic Acid - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0761-8417
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pneumo.2010.11.008

Eosinophilic pleural effusions have multiple aetiologies. We report on the case of a 40-year-old man who experienced an eosinophilic pleural effusion with blood hypereosinophilia that occurred nine weeks after a treatment with valproic acid was introduced. Usual aetiologies of eosinophilic pleural effusion were excluded. Once valproic acid was discontinued, both pleural effusion and blood eosinophilia decreased rapidly. The persistence of a residual pleural effusion required the introduction of oral corticosteroids, which resulted in the effusion disappearing completely and rapidly. Valproic acid is a rare cause of eosinophilic pleural effusion. The effusion usually regresses when treatment is discontinued but short-term oral corticotherapy may be necessary in order to heal the patient.