[A "sweet" hydrothorax].
BACKGROUND
Hydrothorax is a rare complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).


METHODS
A 68-year-old man on CAPD consulted for rapidly progressive dyspnea. An elevated glucose level in the pleural puncture fluid and Tc-99m peritoneoscitigraphy demonstrated pleuroperitoneal communication via Larrey's cleft led to the diagnosis of "sweet" hydrothorax. Resolution was achieved with pleurocentesis and interruption of CAPD.


CONCLUSIONS
Although rare, hydrothorax should be retained as a possible diagnosis in patients who develop dyspnea within the first 2 months after institution of CAPD. Chemistry of the pleural fluid and Tc-99m scintigraphy provide the diagnosis. Conservative treatment by pleural puncture or pleurodesis is indicated. In most cases, CAPD can be resumed without recurrence.
Michel
C
C
Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Reims, 51 rue Cognac Jay, Reims. MChrismichel@aol.com
Devy
A
A
Lavaud
F
F
Lavaud
S
S
Lebargy
F
F
D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006876:Hydrothorax / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010994:Pleura / Q000737:chemistry; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013667:Technetium
D013667:Technetium