Case Report

Pleural Fluid and Serum Eosinophilia: Association With Fluoxetine Hydrochloride

Authors: MEHRDAD BEHNIA, MD, IAN DOWDESWELL, MD, SAEED VAKILI, MD

Abstract

We report the case of a patient who was treated with fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) for depression. Approximately 8 weeks into the treatment, an eosinophilic pleural effusion and serum eosinophilia developed. An extensive workup for the etiology of eosinophilic pleural effusion was unrevealing. Pleural biopsy showed a nonspecific inflammatory reaction and mild fibrosis. The pleural effusion and eosinophilia resolved within a few weeks of cessation of the drug. Fluoxetine can be associated with pleural and serum eosinophilia, possibly through an allergic-mediated reaction.

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References