[Pergolide-induced pleural effusion in a patient with juvenile parkinsonism]

Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2002 Aug;42(8):757-60.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A male patient with juvenile parkinsonism having been treated with pergolide developed pleural effusion. Treatment of pergolide started when the patient was 49. And the symptom appeared 11 years later. The patient had no history of heart disease, chronic cough, or lung tuberculosis. His medications included pergolide 1,000 micrograms/day for the past 7 years. Pergolide had been used since 1990 at the maximum dosage of 2,250 micrograms/day. Chest radiogram showed pleural effusion in the right lung. Parenchymal changes and thickened pleura were observed in the left lung. CT scan of the chest showed encapsulated pleural effusion and atelectasis in the mid and lower zones of the right lung. Interstitial fibrosis and pleural thickening were observed in the left lung. Pleuropulmonary changes are rare adverse effects of pergolide treatment, although they were described in other dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine. The author recommends that patients with parkinsonism who receive pergolide treatment should be regularly monitored for the development of pleuropulmonary complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Dopamine Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Pergolide / administration & dosage
  • Pergolide / adverse effects*
  • Pleural Effusion / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Pergolide