Lymphocytic pleural effusion in postpericardiotomy syndrome

Postpericardiotomy syndrome has been recognized as a frequent complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We observed five cases of postpericardiotomy syndrome resulting in exudative pleural effusions with white blood cell differential counts greater than 80% lymphocytes. Tuberculosis, lymphoma, and other neoplasma have been major diseases associated with lymphocytic exudative pleural effusions. We feel postpericardiotomy syndrome is another important etiology that should be considered in post-CABG patients with lymphocytic pleural effusion.