Organizing Pleuritis Presenting as Recurrent Lymphocyte Predominant, Exudative Effusion.
Hossny Alaws, Saurabh Ashok Sujanyal, Bhavya Talwar et al.
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Case in brief
An older man with extensive asbestos exposure presented with recurrent unilateral lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion. Despite multiple thoracenteses, his condition did not improve. Concerned about malignancy, medical thoracoscopy was performed, revealing organizing pleuritis without cancer. The patient underwent rapid pleurodesis and tunneled pleural catheter placement, leading to symptom resolution.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Medical thoracoscopy can provide valuable diagnostic insights and therapeutic options for patients with cryptogenic fibrosing pleuritis, particularly when traditional methods fail.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of considering less invasive interventions, such as thoracoscopy, in managing complex pleural conditions, potentially avoiding more invasive surgical procedures.