title: Pleuroperitoneal leak: an unusual cause of acute shortness of breath in a peritoneal dialysis patient.
abstract: Introduction. Pleuroperitoneal leak is an uncommon complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), with an estimated incidence of 1.6%. It should be suspected in these patients when they present with recurrent unilateral pleural effusions and/or acute shortness of breath following dialysate infusion. Case Presentation. We present the case of a 25-year-old female patient who had acute hydrothorax as a result of pleuroperitoneal leak complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which was confirmed on peritoneal scintigraphy. Conclusion. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients presenting with acute shortness of breath and/or recurrent unilateral pleural effusion should be investigated with peritoneal scintigraphy to exclude pleuroperitoneal leak.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag Box 7, Congella, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Ramaema
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag Box 7, Congella, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mpikashe