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[Diagnosis of post-traumatic pleural effusion]
G Capellier1, P Gaussorgues, F Boyer
1Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon.
Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|January 1, 1989
Summary
A rare case of post-traumatic pleural effusion, known as urinothorax, occurred in a young male after a severe accident. This condition involved urine accumulation in the chest cavity due to a ruptured renal pelvis and diaphragm.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Post-traumatic pleural effusion is a rare complication following severe injuries.
- Road traffic accidents can lead to complex multi-system trauma, including urological and diaphragmatic injuries.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old male presented with acute respiratory failure post-operatively after bladder repair.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a large left-sided pleural effusion with high creatinine levels.
- Evidence of a left epirenal collection and a ruptured renal pelvis with upper urinary tract dilatation was observed.
Findings:
- The pleural effusion was diagnosed as urinothorax, characterized by sero-haematic fluid with elevated creatinine.
- Surgical repair involved addressing a ruptured posterior diaphragm and the urinary tract rupture.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering urinothorax in patients with respiratory failure after abdominal trauma.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing complex traumatic injuries involving the urinary tract and diaphragm.
- Understanding the mechanisms of urinothorax can improve clinical outcomes in trauma patients.