title: Pleuroperitoneal effusion without ascites.
abstract: A recurrent unilateral pleural effusion developed without obvious cause in two patients with cirrhosis of the liver. By the demonstration of the rapid passage of a radiolabelled colloid from abdomen to thorax, these effusions were proved to be secondary to clinically undetectable peritoneal effusions. A diaphragmatic tear, which had occurred during a previous splenectomy and which was apparent only at autopsy, was the cause of peritoneopleural communication in one patient. Previous surgery could also have been responsible for the pleural effusion in the other patient.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications*; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012008:Recurrence; D013156:Splenectomy; D013455:Sulfur; D013667:Technetium; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
chemical_list: D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; D013455:Sulfur; D013667:Technetium