Xanthomatous Pleuritis Associated With Pancreaticopleural Fistula

Xanthogranulomatous pleuritis induced by recurrent biliothorax due to a biliopleural fistula: The first case report in the literature

“…Xanthogranulomatous pleuritis is an exceptionally rare pathological entity with only a few cases reported in the literature [ [1] , [2] , [3] ]. The clinical scenario of this case is dominated by the recurrent biliothorax, resulting from a biliopleural fistula, leading to xanthogranulomatous pleuritis.…”

“…However, definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination of pleural biopsy specimens, which typically demonstrate infiltrates of foam cells, histiocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemical analysis may be useful to exclude infectious etiologies and confirm the presence of xanthogranulomatous inflammation [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] ]. The management of xanthogranulomatous pleuritis largely depends on treating the underlying cause if identified [ 3 ].…”

“…Immunohistochemical analysis may be useful to exclude infectious etiologies and confirm the presence of xanthogranulomatous inflammation [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] ]. The management of xanthogranulomatous pleuritis largely depends on treating the underlying cause if identified [ 3 ]. In cases where no specific etiology is identified, systemic corticosteroids have been shown to provide symptomatic relief and promote resolution of pleural inflammation [ 3 ].…”

“…The management of xanthogranulomatous pleuritis largely depends on treating the underlying cause if identified [ 3 ]. In cases where no specific etiology is identified, systemic corticosteroids have been shown to provide symptomatic relief and promote resolution of pleural inflammation [ 3 ]. A thoracoscopic pleural biopsy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis and to exclude other potential malignancies or infections [ 6 ].…”

“…This condition is often misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other infectious and neoplastic pleural diseases [ 1 ]. To date, only a limited number of cases have been reported in the medical literature [ [1] , [2] , [3] ]. This case report aims to present a rare case of xanthogranulomatous pleuritis induced by recurrent biliothorax due to a biliopleural fistula, discuss its clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options, and emphasize the need for accurate recognition of this entity to avoid unnecessary invasive interventions.…”