Sarcoidosis Presenting with Massive Pleural Effusion and Elevated Serum and Pleural Fluid Carbohydrate Antigen-125 Levels
Authors
Lee In Seon ; Kim Sae Byul ; Moon Chan Soo ; Jung Sung Mo ; Kim Song Yee ; Kim Eun Young ; Jung Ji Ye ; Kang Young Ae ; Kim Young Sam ; Kim Se Kyu ; Chang Joon ; Park Moo Suk
Citation
TUBERCULOSIS AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES, Vol.73(6) : 320-324, 2012
A 55-year-old woman was admitted for an elevated serum carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA-125) level, and a left pleural effusion, which were detected at a routine health examination. Computed tomography of the chest was performed upon admission, revealing extensive bilateral paratracheal and mediastinal lymph node enlargement with a massive left-sided pleural effusion. Subsequent analysis of the pleural fluid demonstrated consistency with an exudate, no evidence of malignant cells, and a normal adenosine deaminase. However, the pleural fluid and serum CA-125 levels were 2,846.8 U/mL and 229.5 U/mL, respectively. A positron emission tomography did not reveal any primary focus of malignancy. Finally, a surgical mediastinoscopic biopsy of several mediastinal lymph nodes was performed, revealing non-necrotizing granulomas, consistent with sarcoidosis. After a month of treatment of prednisolone, the left pleural effusion had resolved, and after 2 months the serum CA-125 level was normalized.