Korean J Nephrol.  2004 Nov;23(6):1020-1025.

Two Cases of Hydrothorax Associated with Pleuroperitoneal Communications Proved by CT Peritoneography and Peritoneoscintigraphy

• Choi BM
• Oh JH
• An KS
• Kim HJ
• Sin HJ
• Kim CW
• Seo BJ

Abstract

With the increasing use of PD as a replacement therapy in chronic renal failure, the number of complications related to PD also has increased. One of these is hydrothorax associated with pleuroperitoneal communications. Diagnosis is based upon confirming that the fluid in pleural space is dialysate. The chemical characteristics of the pleural fluid can help diagnose dialysate in pleural space. One can use dialysate mixed with dye (methylene blue, indigo). Peritoneographies with contrast and radionucleotides are safe, accurate, and reliable methods of diagnosing peritoneal defects. While these substances do not damage the peritoneum, their diffusion is low. We report 2 cases of hydrothorax associated with pleuroperitoneal communications in CAPD patients. We employed CT peritoneography and peritoneoscintigraphy to diagnose the hydrothorax associated with pleuroperitoneal leak.

Keyword

Hydrothorax; Pleuroperitoneal leak; CT peritoneography; Peritoneoscintigraphy

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Diffusion
Humans
Hydrothorax*
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory
Peritoneum