Dissecting aneurysm of arch and descending thoracic aorta presenting as a left sided hemorrhagic pleural effusion

Abstract

The most common cause of massive hemorrhagic effusion is malignancy. Herein we present a case of dissecting aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta presenting initially with shortness of breath due to left sided massive pleural effusion. Effusion was hemorrhagic in nature with high hematocrit value. CT scan of thorax with CT angiogram was done and that revealed the diagnosis.

An Interesting Case of Right Sided Haemorrhagic Pleural Effusion

“…Other rare causes are Bleeding diathesis, Spontaneous hemopneumothorax, Aortic dissection or rupture, Aneurysm rupture or dissection of internal mammary artery, Post-cardiac injury syndrome, Infections like dengue hemorrhagic fever, pulmonary tuberculosis, Thoracic endometriosis with catamenial hemothorax, Vascular and connective tissue anomalies (Ehlers-Danlos type 4, neurofibromatosis, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasis), Exostoses, Catamenial hemothorax, Extralobar pulmonary sequestration, Extramedullary hematopoiesis, Congenital diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos type 4, neurofibromatosis, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasis, and Bean's blue rubber nevus syndrome. 1 Pleural effusion in aortic dissection is mainly due to inflammation. Left sided pleural effusion is more common followed by bilateral effusion.…”