Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
07:11
Surgical Techniques for Catheter Placement and 5/6 Nephrectomy in Murine Models of Peritoneal Dialysis
Published on: July 19, 2018
Acute hydrothorax complicating peritoneal dialysis: a case report
Yeoungjee Cho1, Vincent D'Intini, Dwarkanathan Ranganathan
1Renal Unit, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Level 9 Ned Hanlon Building, Bowen Bridge Road, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia. dwarakanathan_ranganathan@health.qld.gov.au.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|November 10, 2010
Summary
Acute hydrothorax, a complication of peritoneal dialysis, can be diagnosed using Tc-99 m DTPA scintigraphy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, like talc pleurodesis, allow patients to successfully resume peritoneal dialysis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute hydrothorax is a recognized complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD).
- Diagnosis can be challenging as no single test is definitive.
- Hydrothorax often leads to PD discontinuation and can worsen patient status if delayed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of Tc-99 m DTPA scintigraphy in peritoneal dialysis-related hydrothorax.
- To present a case demonstrating successful management and continuation of PD despite hydrothorax.
- To review diagnostic approaches for hydrothorax in PD patients.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 33-year-old female patient with lupus on PD is presented.
- Diagnostic workup included exclusion of infective, cardiac, and respiratory causes.
- Tc-99 m DTPA (diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid) scintigraphy confirmed a pleuroperitoneal leak.
- The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy-guided talc pleurodesis.
Main Results:
- Peritoneal dialysis-related hydrothorax was diagnosed in a patient presenting with dyspnea and pleural effusion.
- Tc-99 m DTPA scintigraphy definitively confirmed a pleuroperitoneal leak.
- Successful talc pleurodesis enabled the patient to return to peritoneal dialysis.
Conclusions:
- Acute hydrothorax in PD is an important condition for the medical community to recognize.
- Peritoneal dialysis can be safely continued after correcting the underlying cause of hydrothorax.
- This case underscores the effectiveness of talc pleurodesis in managing PD-related hydrothorax.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management
Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, utilizes the peritoneal membrane as a filter to eliminate excess fluid and waste products. Effective nursing management is essential for ensuring patient safety, preventing complications, and promoting optimal function of the peritoneal dialysis process.Assessment and MonitoringNurses must thoroughly assess the patient before, during, and after each dialysis session. Regular monitoring includes vital signs, daily weight, fluid intake and output, and laboratory values...
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
01:30Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a procedure that facilitates the exchange of solutes, waste products, electrolytes, and excess fluid between the blood in the peritoneal capillaries and a dialysis solution introduced into the peritoneal cavity.Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)Diffusion: Waste products such as urea and electrolytes move from high concentrations in the blood to low concentrations in the dialysate across the peritoneal membrane. This mechanism is driven by the concentration...
01:27Dialysis
Renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood effectively. It can be classified into two types: acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic renal failure (CRF).
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...