Pleural effusion with pleural thickening in a patient exposed to zinc chromate paints: A rare case report

A 35-year-old male painter presented with left sided pleuritic chest pain and exertional dyspnea. A chest radiograph revealed left pleural effusion with pleural thickening. This condition is suspected to be caused by chronic exposure to zinc dichromate and history of exposure was >13 years. Pleural effusion with pleural thickening can be both benign and malignant. Biopsy remains gold standard investigation for exclusion. Pleural fluid cytology and pleural biopsy revealed lymphocytic pleural effusion with few macrophages in proteinaceous fluid background and negative for malignant cells, which was suggestive of benign chronic inflammatory reaction and exclude any malignant changes. Pleural fluid drained and symptomatic treatment provided and patient counseled. Further follow-up needed to diagnosis early malignant changes.