Hepatic hydrothorax

Abstract

Hepatic hydrothorax is the accumulation of ascitic fluid in the pleural space and requires the same treatment as ascites: salt restriction, diuretics, and paracentesis. Refractory hydrothorax appears when there is no response to those measures and its management is not well established. Videothoracoscopy is a promising therapy that permits the detection and closure of diaphragmatic defects, and when used with pleurodesis resulted in long-lasting control of hydrothorax in six of eight patients without appreciable morbidity. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is an effective therapy in more than 75% of refractory hydrothorax cases. Hepatic encephalopathy and worsening of liver function in some patients are the main adverse effects. Spontaneous bacterial empyema, the infection of a hydrothorax, was reported in 13% of 120 cirrhotic patients with hydrothorax. Forty percent of the episodes of spontaneous bacterial empyema were not associated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The sensibility of pleural fluid culture improves inoculating pleural fluid into a blood culture bottle at the bedside. Patients with refractory hydrothorax or those having an episode of spontaneous bacterial empyema should be considered candidates for liver transplantation.