A Rhanim1, L Herrak2, H Slimani2, L Achachi2, M El Ftouh2. 1. Service de pneumologie, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, université Mohammed V, CHU Ibn Sina, 10000 Rabat, Maroc. Electronic address: aziza.rhanim@gmail.com. 2. Service de pneumologie, faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, université Mohammed V, CHU Ibn Sina, 10000 Rabat, Maroc.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Haemorragic pleurisy is fairly common. The etiology is dominated by tumors and tuberculosis. The rupture of intra-thoracic vessels into the pleural cavity is a much rarer cause and the diagnosis is often delayed. OBSERVATION: A 77-year-old patient without previously known hypertension was hospitalized for investigation of a fluid density opacity occupying the entire left hemithorax. Thoracentesis revealed a non-coagulable haemorrhagic fluid. A computed tomography scan showed a Stanford type B aortic dissection. The patient was given anti-hypertensive treatment for one year. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic dissection remains among the diagnoses to consider in the case of a haemorrhagic pleural effusion despite absence of the usual suggestive symptoms.
INTRODUCTION:Haemorragic pleurisy is fairly common. The etiology is dominated by tumors and tuberculosis. The rupture of intra-thoracic vessels into the pleural cavity is a much rarer cause and the diagnosis is often delayed. OBSERVATION: A 77-year-old patient without previously known hypertension was hospitalized for investigation of a fluid density opacity occupying the entire left hemithorax. Thoracentesis revealed a non-coagulable haemorrhagic fluid. A computed tomography scan showed a Stanford type B aortic dissection. The patient was given anti-hypertensive treatment for one year. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic dissection remains among the diagnoses to consider in the case of a haemorrhagic pleural effusion despite absence of the usual suggestive symptoms.