Hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites with mixed bacterial and fungal infection: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is a rare complication of cirrhosis, typically caused by the transdiaphragmatic migration of ascitic fluid. However, HH can also occur without ascites, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. Infections in HH, particularly with pathogens such as Enterococcus faecium and Candida parapsilosis, are uncommon but present significant clinical challenges.

Case presentation

We report a 49-year-old male with hepatitis B cirrhosis, presenting with isolated right-sided pleural effusion that was unresponsive to diuretic therapy. Thoracentesis confirmed HH without bacterial infection initially. However, secondary infection was identified when cultures revealed Pseudomonas luteola, Enterococcus faecium, and Candida parapsilosis. Despite in vitro sens

SUBMITTER: Chen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12512935 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature