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

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.