Emergency Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

A "Sweet" Pleural Effusion

Clara Pintossi, Mariateresa Castellini, Alice Comaglio, Massimo Salvetti and Maria Lorenza Muiesan

Pleuroperitoneal leak should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pleural effusion, expecially in patients on peritoneal dialysis. The existence of a pleuro-peritoneal leak is demonstrated by pleural fluid analysis: a transudate with high glucose content similar to the dialysate, together with a normal concomitant blood glucose concentration. Treatments for dialysate leaks include a variety of approaches, depending on the severity of symptoms and signs. We report the case of a 77 year old woman treated with automated peritoneal dialysis since 10 years due to chronic renal failure in polycystic kidney, presenting to the hospital with progressively worsening dyspnea, due to a non-conventional pleural effusion.