Video-assisted thoracoscopy with pleurodesis as treatment of amiodarone induced recurrent pleural effusion

Respiratory Medicine Case Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Diego Cedano, Daria Ovcharuk, Faiz Y. Bhora, Carlos Remolina
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2026.102387
Cited by: 1
References: 18

Abstract

53-year-old male with recurrent right pleural effusion secondary to chronic use of amiodarone. The patient required multiple thoracenteses, and despite amiodarone dose reduction effusion recurred. Video-assisted thoracoscopy with unilateral mechanical pleurodesis and decortication were done, with complete resolution and no recurrence of the effusion even with the amiodarone on board. Surgical approach for unilateral pleural effusion due to amiodarone that is resistant to the standard treatment, may be a strategy in patients where amiodarone cannot be discontinued.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias Pleural and Pulmonary Diseases Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Publication details

Journal / source
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
60
Pages
102387–102387
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN