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....

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Neurologist (Baltimore, Md.) Vol. 18; no. 1; p. 39
Main Authors Kamenetsky, Zvi, Da'as, Nael, Esayag, Yaacov, Kleinman, Yosef, Samuels, Noah
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.2012
Subjects
Adult
Eosinophilia - chemically induced
Exudates and Transudates - cytology
Humans
Male
Pleural Effusion - chemically induced
Seizures - drug therapy
Valproic Acid - adverse effects
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Summary: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.
ISSN:2331-2637
DOI:10.1097/NRL.0b013e31823d7a6d