[A case of intractable hepatic hydrothorax treated by pleuro-venous shunt]

A 64-year-old woman with Idiopathic Portal Hypertension was hospitalized for severe respiratory distress. Chest X-ray film showed a massive pleural effusion in the right hemithorax. Though repeated thoracentesis was performed, the patient was suffering from dyspnea frequently. A pleurovenous shunt was inserted. Follow up chest X-ray films showed resolution of pleural effusion and the patient remained free of symptoms. Two months after the placement of the shunt pleural effusion again began to develop with systemic edema caused by development of chronic renal failure. Reduction of effusion was obtained by hemodialysis. Pleurovenous shunting may provide satisfactory palliation for intractable pleural effusions.