RT Journal
A1 COE JE, AIKAWA JK
T1 Cholesterol pleural effusion: Report of 2 cases studied with isotopic techniques and review of the world literature
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1961
FD November 1
VO 108
IS 5
SP 763
OP 774
DO 10.1001/archinte.1961.03620110103014
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1961.03620110103014
AB Cholesterol pleural effusion is a rarely reported condition characterized by a high concentration of lipid and, in most cases, cholesterol crystals in the pleural fluid. Although this entity was first described almost 80 years ago,1 a total of only 85 cases were found in a comprehensive review of the literature2 in 1951. Fourteen additional cases have been reported since then, but only one of these reports is in the English literature.3 The pathogenesis of this condition is unknown.We have recently seen 2 cases of cholesterol pleural effusion and have performed various laboratory studies employing radioisotopes in an attempt to clarify the abnormal physiology involved.Report of Cases 
    Case 1.— 
    A 78-year-old white man, a retired construction worker, was admitted to Denver General Hospital on Nov. 13, 1958, with the chief complaints of cough, vague chest pain, dyspnea, and weakness. Until the onset of these symptoms 6