Mokhtari M et al, 2013: Eosinophilic pleural effusion: a rare complication of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Mokhtari M, Kumar PV, Ghayumi MA
Pathology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1864, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has been widely used to treat renal stones. The procedure is relatively safe with minor complications.
CASE: The patient is a 32-year-old man who presented with left sided pleural effusion after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
RESULTS: The pleural effusion study revealed an exudative fluid rich in eosinophils (30%). So, the diagnosis of eosinophilic pleural effusion as a complication of lithotripsy was made.
CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy should be regarded as an etiology of unexplained eosinophilic pleural effusion after this procedure.
Case Rep Med. 2013;2013:147986. doi: 10.1155/2013/147986. Epub 2013 Jul 7
PMID:23935633 [PubMed] PMCID:PMC3722986. FREE ARTICLE
Comments 1
Eosinophilic pleural effusion is indeed a very unusual complication of SWL. It can be assumed that in the described patient shockwaves had been inappropriately focused.
Hans-Göran Tiselius