The Indian Journal of Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences

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VOLUME 58 , ISSUE 2 ( April-June, 2016 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Syringo-Pleural Shunt: A Rare Cause of Recurrent Pleural Effusion

Pralhad P. Prabhudesai, B.S. Shastri

Keywords : Syringo-pleural shunt, Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, Pleural effusion, Thoracentesis, VATS, Beta-2 transferrin, Transcytosis

Citation Information : Prabhudesai PP, Shastri B. Syringo-Pleural Shunt: A Rare Cause of Recurrent Pleural Effusion. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci 2016; 58 (2):135-137.

DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-58-2-135

License: NA

Published Online: 17-06-2016

Copyright Statement:  NA


Abstract

A case of a patient with reported spinal tuberculosis (TB) that developed syringomyelia, a rare sequelae of the disease is presented in this report. He underwent syringo-pleural shunting for syringomyelia. After 15 years, the patient presented with recurrent pleural effusion. Diagnostic thoracentesis revealed fluid of transudative nature. Pleural fluid was positive for beta-2 transferrin. Pleural biopsy was negative for any malignancy or TB. Computed tomography scan focusing on the shunt showed that it was undisplaced. Video-assisted thoracoscopic exploration showed the distal tip of the shunt adherent to the lung parenchyma. The effusion resolved after the dislodgement of distal tip from lung parenchyma.


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