Hydrothorax: pleural effusion associated with peritoneal dialysis. 2010

Susie Q Lew
Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA. sqlew@gwu.edu

Hydrothorax in a patient treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) poses a diagnostic dilemma. Hydrothorax due to migration of dialysis fluid across the diaphragm and into the pleural space creates a serious complication of PD but generally does not threaten life. Shortness of breath causes the patient to seek medical attention. A sudden diminution in dialysis adequacy or poor ultrafiltration rate constitutes a unique marker for patients treated with PD compared to the general population. This article reviews the etiology for hydrothorax specifically in the PD population. Thoracentesis with chemical analysis of the fluid, imaging studies with and without contrast or markers, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery play important roles in the evaluation of hydrothorax. A conservative PD regimen, surgical intervention, and pleurodesis provide treatment options to those receiving PD.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D010530 Peritoneal Dialysis Dialysis fluid being introduced into and removed from the peritoneal cavity as either a continuous or an intermittent procedure. Dialyses, Peritoneal,Dialysis, Peritoneal,Peritoneal Dialyses
D010996 Pleural Effusion Presence of fluid in the pleural cavity resulting from excessive transudation or exudation from the pleural surfaces. It is a sign of disease and not a diagnosis in itself. Effusion, Pleural,Effusions, Pleural,Pleural Effusions
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006876 Hydrothorax A collection of watery fluid in the pleural cavity. (Dorland, 27th ed)

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