Ranucci G, Di Dato F, Liccardo D, Spada M, Maggiore G, Iorio R. An Unexpected Hepatic Hydrothorax After a Successful Kasai Portoenterostomy: A Case Report.
Front Pediatr 2021;
9:766187. [PMID:
34790637 PMCID:
PMC8592304 DOI:
10.3389/fped.2021.766187]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) represents a rare complication of portal hypertension among adult cirrhotic patients. Here, we describe a pediatric case of HH, observed in a biliary atresia infant. The child presented with recurrent right-sided pleural effusion, after a successful Kasai portoenterostomy with restoration of bile flow and without overt signs of hepatic failure. Recurrence of HH led the patient to liver transplant despite a low pediatric end-stage liver disease value. Although rare, HH can also occur in children and should be suspected in patients with portal hypertension and respiratory distress. HH may be an indication for liver transplantation.
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