The Effect of Colchicine on the Treatment of Recurrent Pleural Effusion with Unknown Etiology

Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that can result from a variety of etiological factors, ranging from benign to malignant.Despite investigations, the etiological cause remains undetermined in 20-25% of patients.In the case presented here, pleural fluid regressed with colchicine therapy in a patient with a history of recurrent pleural effusion, the etiology could not be determined, despite treatment with nonspecific antibiotic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.The therapeutic benefit of oral colchicine therapy for the treatment of pleural effusions that occur after lung resection or conditions with known etiologies, such as pericarditis and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), has been well documented in the literature.Its potential for the treatment of pleural effusions with unknown etiology has also been documented.