Acute Hydrothorax Complicating continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

We describe here hydrothorax that occurred in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and highlight the problems of diagnosis and management. A 48 years-old man with history of obstructive uropathy secondary to urolithiasis was stared on CAPD when he reached end-stage renal failure. Two months later, he was admitted with two days history of shortness of breath on exertion and dry cough increasing in supine position. Chest examination was suggestive of right sided pleural effusion confusion confirmed by chest X-ray. Radioisotope Technetium 99m labeled albumin instilled through the peritoneal catheter was detected in the right pleural fluid confirming the peritoneo-pleural leak. The peritoneal dialysis (PD) was discontinued and the patient was switched to hemodialysis. The pleural effusion subsided and has not recurred for the following three years.