Bilothorax: A Rare Complication of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage in a Patient With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Abstract

Bilothorax is a rare etiology of pleural effusions that involves leakage of bile from the biliary system into the pleural cavity. Most cases result from iatrogenic mechanisms, like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. However, only a limited number of cases have reported this as a complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. We report this rare presentation in an elderly man with primary sclerosing cholangitis after receiving percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for decompression of multiple complex biliary obstructions. Given its rarity and lack of established guidelines, we review clinical features, medical management, and potential implications of bilothorax, especially in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.