Benign asbestos pleural effusion: 73 exudates in 60 patients.

摘要: All patients seen in 1975 to 1984 with benign asbestos pleural effusion (BAPE) were studied. In all, 73 exudates occurred 60 patients, 40 on the left side and 33 right. Relapses same two patients; 11 had bilateral exudates, three of them concomitantly, other a free interval 1-15 years. The mean latency time from first exposure was 30 years, range 1 58 effusions lasted 10 months, median 3 months. most common symptoms pain, fever, cough, and/or dyspnoea; however, 46% episodes symptomless. total number thoracocenteses 66, removal 50 2000 ml (mean 460) each time. Fifty-three per cent fluids macroscopically haemorrhagic 26% eosinophilic. Two findings contribute better understanding entity: first, even comparatively slight occupational can be sufficient; secondly, BAPE occur many years after asbestos, not only one or decades.