What is the difference between hydrothorax and pleural effusion?
Unsourced or poorly sourced material may be challenged and removed. Hydrothorax is a type of pleural effusion in which transudate accumulates in the pleural cavity. This condition is most likely to develop secondary to congestive heart failure, following an increase in hydrostatic pressure within the lungs.
What is hydrothorax and pneumothorax?
A hydropneumothorax (plural: hydropneumothoraces) (or less commonly pneumohydrothorax (plural: pneumohydrothoraces)) is the term given to the concurrent presence of a pneumothorax and pleural effusion (i.e. hydrothorax) (i.e. gas and fluid) in the pleural space.
Is hydrothorax a pleural effusion?
Hepatic hydrothorax is defined as a pleural effusion due to portal hypertension. It is typically a right sided unilateral transudative effusion.
How is hydrothorax diagnosed?
Intraperitoneal injection of 99mTc-sulpher colloid or 99mTc-human serum albumin is a described method used to confirm the diagnosis of hepatic hydrothorax. Patients undergo therapeutic thoracentesis followed by intraperitoneal radioisotope injection. Detection of the marker in the pleural cavity is confirmatory.
What is the medical definition of hydrothorax disease?
Medical Definition of hydrothorax. : an excess of serous fluid in the pleural cavity especially : an effusion resulting from failing circulation (as in heart disease or from lung infection) More from Merriam-Webster on hydrothorax.
When does hydrothorax occur in congestive heart failure?
Hydrothorax. Hydrothorax is a type of pleural effusion in which transudate accumulates in the pleural cavity. This condition is most likely to develop secondary to congestive heart failure, following an increase in hydrostatic pressure within the lungs. More rarely, hydrothorax can develop in patients with cirrhosis or ascites.
Where does hydrothorax occur in cirrhosis of the liver?
A pleural effusion associated with cirrhosis of the liver, typically on the right side of the chest, above the liver. See also: hydrothorax Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners