A Case of Cholethorax Developed by Unknown Cause.
10.4046/trd.2011.70.3.261
- Author:
Mun Hyuk SEONG
1
;
Sung Moo KIM
;
Suk Hee YOO
;
Woo Ri PARK
;
Jin Young AN
;
Kang Hyeon CHOE
;
Ki Man LEE
;
Si Wook KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea. kimlee@chungbuk.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Bile;
Biliary Fistula;
Pleural Effusion;
Diaphragm
- MeSH:
Bile;
Biliary Fistula;
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde;
Diaphragm;
Drainage;
Fistula;
Humans;
Pleural Effusion;
Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted;
Thorax
- From:Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
2011;70(3):261-265
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Cholethorax is a bilious pleural effusion caused by a pleurobiliary fistula or leakage of bile into the pleural space. Most cases of cholethorax arise from a complication of abdominal trauma, hepatobiliary infection, or invasive procedures or surgery of hepatobiliary system. However, we experienced a case of a patient with cholethorax of unknown origin. There was no evidence of pleurobiliary fistula or leakage of bile from the hepatobiliary system although we examined the patient with various diagnostic tools including chest and abdominal computed tomography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, tubography, bronchofiberscopy, hepatobiliary scintigraphy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Herein we report a case of cholethorax for which the specific cause was not identified. The patient was improved by percutaneous drainage of pleural bile.
