Black Pleural Effusion as a Complication of Acute Pancreatitis

Authors

Antony J. Arumairaj, Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.Follow
Fidencio Davalos, Pulmonary Critical Care, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.
Hussein Matari, Radiology, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.Follow
Abayomi O. Bamgboje, Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.
Imnett Habtes, Pulmonary and Critical Care, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.7759/cureus.32783

Journal Title

Cureus

First Page

e32783

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Department

Medicine

Second Department

Radiology

Abstract

Transient and reactive pleural effusion is a known consequence of acute pancreatitis. Usually, the pleural effusion is unilateral, transudate, straw-colored, and self-resolving. We report a rare case of massive left-sided black pleural effusion as a complication of acute pancreatitis with the background of chronic pancreatitis being secondary to alcohol abuse. The pleural effusion resulted in hypoxic respiratory failure. However, the patient had significant improvement after drainage of the pleural effusion and the appropriate management of sepsis with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient had a significant improvement and recovery with conservative management without the need for endoscopic therapy or surgical intervention.

Recommended Citation

Arumairaj, A. J., Davalos, F., Matari, H., Bamgboje, A. O., & Habtes, I. (2022). Black Pleural Effusion as a Complication of Acute Pancreatitis. Cureus, 14 (12), e32783. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.32783