Hydrothorax without ascites in liver cirrhosis

Pleural effusion in patients with liver cirrhosis and intractable ascites is well known, but hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites is a rare complication. We present the case of a 43-year old male, with a medical history of liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus, who was admitted to the Pneumology Clinic for dyspnoea, worsening of general status and chronic asthenia. The pleural effusion, revealed on physical and laboratory examinations, persisted despite the therapy with diuretics and the frequent thoracocentesis. The thoracostomy followed by pleurodesis also failed. The pecularity of this case was the presence of refractory hydrothorax in the absence of ascites.