Hepatic hydrothorax: possible etiology of recurring pleural effusion

A case of hepatic hydrothorax is presented as a reminder that a large, recurring pleural effusion may have an abdominal source, even in patients with minimal or no apparent ascites. One of the known mechanisms for hepatic hydrothorax is a peritoneopleural communication, as demonstrated in this case....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	American family physician Vol. 56; no. 2; p. 523
Main Authors:	Hahn, M H, Hahn, P Y, Gadallah, S F, Crockett, J
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-08-1997
Subjects:	Diagnosis, Differential Humans Hydrothorax - complications Hydrothorax - etiology Hydrothorax - physiopathology Liver Diseases - complications Liver Diseases - physiopathology Male Middle Aged Pleural Effusion - etiology Pleural Effusion - physiopathology Pleural Effusion - therapy Recurrence
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Summary:	A case of hepatic hydrothorax is presented as a reminder that a large, recurring pleural effusion may have an abdominal source, even in patients with minimal or no apparent ascites. One of the known mechanisms for hepatic hydrothorax is a peritoneopleural communication, as demonstrated in this case. A simple radionuclide imaging procedure, in which technetium 99m-sulfur colloid is injected into the peritoneal cavity prior to imaging of the chest and abdomen, can be used to document this finding. Treatment may include therapeutic thoracentesis, salt and water restriction, diuretics, tube thoracostomy with pleurodesis, surgical repair or placement of a portosystemic shunt.
ISSN:	0002-838X