Thoracoscopy Aids in the Differential Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion in Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Background. Discribing different causes for pleural effusion in sarcoidosis patients and the need to make a differential diagnosis would be more appropriate. Case. A 63-year-old man with skin sarcoidosis and abnormal chest shadow, was transferred to our hospital due to exacerbation of lower leg edema and bilateral pleural effusion. We initially used diuretics to treat heart failure but left predominant pleural effusion did not completely improve. We subsequently performed thoracoscopy under local anesthesia, which showed multiple small nodules and partial black pigmentation on the visceral pleura. Pleural specimens demonstrated adenocarcinoma and a diagnosis of carcinomatous pleuritis was established. Conclusion. Thoracoscopy under local anesthesia can aid in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion in a patient with sarcoidosis.