Benign asbestos-induced pleural effusions

Benign asbestos-induced pleural effusions are considered part of asbestos related benign pleural disease.

Clinical presentation

Patients may be asymptomatic or present with dyspnea or chest pain.

Pathology

They develop after an extended latency period post-asbestos exposure, with a median duration of exposure to the period of latency for disease onset ranging from 31-48 years . Their development is thought to be exposure-dependent although it can also occur even after minimal exposure.

They usually comprise of hemorrhagic exudates of mixed cellularity. Asbestos bodies are typically absent. High levels of eosinophils are present within the fluid in approximately one-third of cases.

Treatment and prognosis

The effusions usually resolve over a few months but can persist or recur. Diffuse pleural thickening can be commonly seen after resolution.

Practical points

Some authors suggest CT follow-up over a 2-year period given the need to establish whether there is a progressive abnormality and/or progressive pleural thickening .