A Pleuroperitoneal Shunt for Interactive Pleural Effusions With Yellow Nail Syndrome

Abstract

Yellow nail syndrome is a relatively rare disease that is characterized by yellow nail, lymphedema and pleural effusion. These symptoms occur to various degrees, but occasionally pleural effusions are interactive and can become life-threatening. We report the case of a 15-year-old girl with yellow nail syndrome with interactive bilateral pleural effusions who was treated with pleuroperitoneal shunting. Drainage from the pleural cavity to the peritoneal cavity improved oxygenation and permitted removal of bilateral chest tubes that had been inserted for long term relief. We discuss the benefits and difficulties of this procedure and define the characteristics of patients with yellow nail syndrome who were treated with pleuroperitoneal shunt for pleural effusions, based on a literature review. The procedure may be an alternative rescue strategy for patients with interactive pleural effusions.




J Med Cases. 2011;2(3):115-120
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc202w