Pleural Effusions/Cirrhosis??

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Does anyone know why cirrhosis can cause pleural effusions? I've tried to do some research and cannot get an answer explaining the pathology. Thanks!

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Specializes in CRNA.

Usually pleural effusions originate from a hepatic hydrothorax caused by leakage from the thoracic duct due to decreased oncotic pressure related to low albumin. We were taught that it used to be caused by portal hypertension resulting from a back up of gastrointestinal lymph flow and splanchnic venous congestion. Turns out that was not exactly correct.

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Hepatic Hydrothorax-An Uncommon Complication Of Cirrhosis

from the cleveland clinic:

http://www.clinicalcases.blogspot.com/2005/02/hepatic-hydrothorax-uncommon.html

scroll down to, "What did we learn from this case?"

i read a few articles.

all mentioned diaphragmatic defects being associated w/cirrhosis & subsequent effusions.

leslie

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

That is an awesome link Leslie - thank you!!!

I just blew an hour looking over it and it's links. It's a gem!! :up:

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Wow Leslie thanks from us all!

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Wow!!! Thank you sooo much for the awesome link! I have been trying to find some information and I couldn't get a straight answer! :bowingpur

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