Bilothorax

Biliothorax: A Rare Case of Dyspnea

“…Most cases of biliothorax are associated with malignant or benign biliary obstruction, pleurobiliary fistulas after hepatobiliary procedures, and hepatic or subphrenic abscesses [ 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 ]. The diagnosis of biliothorax requires a high index of clinical suspicion and pleural fluid analysis [ 4 ].…”

“…The diagnosis of biliothorax requires a high index of clinical suspicion and pleural fluid analysis [ 4 ]. A ratio of total pleural fluid bilirubin to total serum bilirubin greater than one confirms the diagnosis [ 2 , 3 , 5 ].…”

“…Bile acid is a potent irritant, leading to a significant inflammatory response, creating an environment for infection in the pleural space that may result in empyema [ 2 ]. Early recognition and complete drainage are important for preventing these complications [ 3 , 4 ]. Treatment involves the drainage of pleural effusion with a chest tube and biliary stenting if surgical etiology is identified to reduce ductal pressure [ 2 ].…”

“…Biliothorax is an extremely rare clinical condition characterized by the presence of bile in the pleural cavity [1][2][3]. Most cases are unilateral (right-sided) because of the proximity to the liver and biliary system, with a bilateral presentation being extremely rare [3]. The main cause is usually related to complications of hepatobiliary procedures [1,[4][5][6][7].…”

Biliotórax: una entidad rara para un diagnóstico frecuente. Un reporte de caso

“…Sin embargo, la metástasis hepática como causa de la enfermedad está empezando a ser más reconocida. 14 Para comprender el comportamiento y los desenlaces de la enfermedad es esencial disponer de más informes sobre los resultados en estudios de cohorte o series de casos más amplios.…”