Urinothorax causing massive left side pleural effusion in a young lady; case report and literature review

Abstract

Urinothorax is the presence of the urine in the pleural space. This condition is very rare and occurs due to unrelieved obstruction of urinary flow.A 20-year-old female presented 7 days after cesarean section with tachypnea, and generalized abdominal pain. There was absent air entry over the left hemithorax. CT scan showed massive left pleural effusion and a stone obstructing the renal pelvis with hydronephrosis and peri-renal collection. The pleural fluid had high fluid creatinine level suggesting urine collection. Ureteroscopy done and double J catheter inserted.The effusion became loculated, thoracotomy and pleural decortication done. Keywords: Urinothorax, Renal stone, Hydronephrosis, Thoracotomy, Double J catheter