Hepatic hydrothorax: a retrospective case study.

PurposeTo present the pathophysiology, differential diagnoses, assessment techniques, and treatment options for hepatic hydrothorax.Data SourcesA case study is presented with supporting material from current medical literature.ConclusionsHepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion caused by the flow of ascitic fluid into the pleural space through an actual defect in the diaphragm. Successful outcomes depend on early detection and timely referral of oftensubtle lung involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]