Pleural Effusion Associated with Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report

Rana Al Ashkar; Rabab Nasser El Dine; Rachad Harb; Mohamed  AlMoussawi; Khaled  Soukarieh

doi:10.38179/ijcr.v3i1.197

Authors

Rana Al Ashkar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
Rabab Nasser El Dine, MD 2Pulmonary and Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
Rachad Harb, MD Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
Mohamed AlMoussawi Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
Khaled Soukarieh, MD Gastroenterology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38179/ijcr.v3i1.197

Keywords:

Ulcerative Colitis, Pleural Effusion, Mesalamine, Case Report

Abstract

Background: Extraintestinal manifestations associated with IBD may involve the skin, joints, hepatobiliary tract, eye, kidney, and rarely pancreas and respiratory systems; as well as risks for venous thrombosis. They may be present at diagnosis or develop later in the disease course. Pulmonary complications of IBD include airway inflammation, parenchymal lung disease, serositis, thromboembolic disease, and drug-induced lung toxicity.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 41-year-old lady with ulcerative colitis who presented to the hospital with respiratory symptoms. Physical examination and imagery lead to the diagnosis of acute pleural effusion. Later on, the patient developed gastrointestinal symptoms. Colonoscopy and biopsy showed that she has Ulcerative Colitis. Which is a very rare presentation of EIM of IBD. The patient improved on steroids and mesalamine and pleural effusion resolved.

Conclusion: In conclusion, pulmonary involvement should be considered when pleurisy develops in UC. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are important for these patients.

Author Biographies

Rabab Nasser El Dine, MD, 2Pulmonary and Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon

Pulmonary and Critical Care, fellow second year at Rassoul Aazam Hospital

Rachad Harb, MD, Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon

Cardiology Departement, Fellow Third year at Centre Hospitalier d'Auch, Allee Marie Clarac

Khaled Soukarieh, MD, Gastroenterology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon

Gastroenterology Departement, Fellow first Year

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