Hepatic Hydrothorax in the Absence of Ascites: Respiratory Failure in a Cirrhotic Patient

• Published in: Anesthesia and analgesia Vol. 99; no. 6; pp. 1803 - 1804
• Main Authors: Serrat, Jordi, Roza, Julio J., Planella, Teresa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD International Anesthesia Research Society 01-12-2004; Lippincott
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Ascites - pathology; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Hydrothorax - complications; Hydrothorax - pathology; Liver Cirrhosis - complications; Liver Cirrhosis - pathology; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pleural Effusion - physiopathology; Respiratory Insufficiency - etiology; Respiratory Insufficiency - pathology; Human; Cirrhosis; Hydrothorax; Effusion; Respiratory failure; Respiratory disease; Abdominal disease; Digestive diseases; Hepatic disease; Pleural disease; Anesthesia; Ascites
• ISSN: 0003-2999; 1526-7598
• DOI: 10.1213/01.ANE.0000138034.73465.D3

The frequency of hepatic hydrothorax in cirrhotic patients is reported to be approximately 5%. The pleural effusion is predominantly right-sided (85% of cases) but may be bilateral. Although most often accompanied by significant ascites, it can occur in its absence. We report a case of a right-sided acute hepatic hydrothorax as a result of residual motor blockade during anesthesia recovery and without previous evidence of clinical ascites. This complication should be considered by the anesthesiologist in every cirrhotic patient, with or without clinical evidence of ascites.