Abstract

TORO RENDON, Luis Guillermo et al. Hepatic hydrothorax: case report and literature review. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2013, vol.28, n.4, pp.352-358. ISSN 0120-9957.

Hepatic hydrothorax is a rare complication that occurs in patients with liver cirrhosis. We report the case of a patient with NASH cirrhosis and evidence of portal hypertension who was admitted to the emergency department with coughing and chest pain. Transudative pleural effusions (according to Light’s criteria) were found in association with ascites, but no cardiac cause, pleural effusion or pulmonary effusion could be found. Treatment with diuretics was begun, but was suspended because the patient developed significant renal dysfunction. Fluid was drained with a thoracostomy but additional loss of fluid led to further deterioration of renal function. It was decided to insert a transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to significantly decrease portal pressure and to progressively decrease ascitic fluid and pleural effusion. A subsequent review of the patient and radiological follow-up found no recurrence of symptoms, pleural effusion or ascites

Keywords : Hepatic hydrothorax; pleural effusion; cirrhosis; transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

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