Journal of clinical gastroenterology
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Jan 2004
ReviewHepatic hydrothorax: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
Hepatic hydrothorax occurs in approximately 5 to 12% of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Various therapeutic modalities ranging from dietary and pharmacologic interventions to surgical approaches are available for the management of this condition. ⋯ Hepatic hydrothorax may be complicated by spontaneous bacterial empyema, which portends a poor prognosis with a mortality rate of up to 20%. All patients with hepatic hydrothorax should be evaluated for possible liver transplantation.