Pleural Disease in Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is associated with pleural abnormalities that may occur as a direct consequence of pregnancy or as a pregnancy-induced exacerbation of an underlying disease. Multiple reports suggest that benign pleural effusions occur in a variable number of patients after labor and delivery. Other pleural abnormalities directly related to pregnancy include chylothorax, hemothorax, urinothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax. Conditions associated with pleural effusions or pneumothoraces that can be exacerbated by pregnancy include lymphangiomyomatosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, neurofibromatosis, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. In caring for pregnant patients with evidence of pleural abnormalities, clinicians must discriminate between benign consequences of pregnancy and serious pleuropulmonary disorders. An accurate and prompt diagnosis is required to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being.

Key Words:

pregnancy - pneumothorax - pleural effusion