Abdelfatah, W., Alsharif, S., Iskandarani, D., Riad, E., Salem, G. (2025). Valproic acid – induced Pleuro-pericardial Effusion. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 28(4), 20-24. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.446385
Wagdy Abdelfatah; Shaker Alsharif; Dalya Ayman Iskandarani; Eman Riad; Gufran Abdullah Salem. "Valproic acid – induced Pleuro-pericardial Effusion". Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 28, 4, 2025, 20-24. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.446385
Abdelfatah, W., Alsharif, S., Iskandarani, D., Riad, E., Salem, G. (2025). 'Valproic acid – induced Pleuro-pericardial Effusion', Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 28(4), pp. 20-24. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.446385
Abdelfatah, W., Alsharif, S., Iskandarani, D., Riad, E., Salem, G. Valproic acid – induced Pleuro-pericardial Effusion. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 2025; 28(4): 20-24. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.446385
1Department of Internal Medicine Chest diseases Unit, Faculty of medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egyptt
2Department of Chest diseases, King Fahd Hospital, Madinah; KSA
3Faculty of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
4Department of Internal Medicine Chest diseases Unit, Faculty of medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
5Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies University, Jeddah, KSA
Abstract
Background: A medication called valproic acid (VPA) is frequently used to treat a variety of neurological conditions. Common adverse effects include headache, dizziness, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperammonemia, thrombocytopenia, and hair loss. Eosinophilic pleuro-pericardial effusion is an uncommon consequence. Case report: A 66 years-old male Saudi patient, ex-smoker who had been using valproic acid for 10 years due to epilepsy presented with grade 3 Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC); gradually progressive dyspnea of 10 days duration, dry cough & atypical chest pain. A thorough examination and comprehensive studies revealed the presence of an eosinophilic pleuro-pericardial effusion. After ruling out other possible reasons, valproic acid toxicity and/or overdosage seem to be the primary cause of effusion. Modifications were made to medications. The patient was seen to be fully recovered at the end of the six-month follow-up. Conclusion: The most common explanation for valproic acid-induced eosinophilic pleuro-pericardial effusion is a medication hypersensitivity reaction. It is more likely to happen when two crucial elements are present: a high dosage of the drug and prolonged exposure.
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