Kosin Medical Journal  2014;29(1):53-57

doi:10.7180/kmj.2014.29.1.53

A Case of Hydrothorax Aggravated by Peritoneal Dialysate Leakage in Compensated Liver Cirrhosis Patient with Ascites.

Gain YOU 1 ; Ho Sik SHIN ; Yeon Soon JUNG ; Hark RIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Hydrothorax; Liver cirrhosis; Peritoneal dialysis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

The cirrhotic patients with ascites present unique challenge to the renal caregiver. Hydrothorax in a cirrhotic patient treated with PD poses a diagnostic dilemma. Proposed mechanisms for the development of a pleuro-peritoneal communication include congenital diaphragmatic defects, acquired weakening of diaphragmatic fibers caused by high intra-abdominal pressures during peritoneal dialysis, and impairments in lymphatic drainage. Pleural fluid analysis and diagnostic imaging assist in differentiation from other causes of pleural effusion. We report a case of hydrothorax in a compensated cirrhotic patient after recent introduction to peritoneal dialysis.