Case report shows intrapleural steroid therapy improved symptoms in a woman with recurrent malignant pleural effusion, highlighting a new palliative option.
Key Points
Corticosteroid therapy delayed fluid reaccumulation by 15 days, improving both symptoms and functional status.
The patient experienced significant dyspnea due to recurrent malignant pleural effusion, treated with intrapleural triamcinolone acetate.
Intrapleural steroid therapy may enhance outcomes when conventional treatments for malignant pleural effusion are unsuitable.
VEGF inhibition and reduced vascular permeability are proposed mechanisms for the benefits observed with this therapy.