Hepatic hydrothorax is a relative contraindication to chest tube insertion.
Two patients with known chronic ascites developed new massive right-sided pleural effusions. Chest tube placement led to massive protein and electrolyte depletion and death of both patients. Patients who have cirrhosis and massive right-sided pleural effusions, in general, have congenital diaphragmatic defects that predispose them to life-threatening fluid depletion when chest tubes are inserted. Hepatic hydrothorax is a relative contraindication to chest tube insertion.
D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000628:therapy; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000002:abnormalities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006876:Hydrothorax / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007440:Intubation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011488:Protein Deficiency / Q000209:etiology; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000209:etiology*