Biliothorax in a patient with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma

We present the case of a patient with a history of unresectable locally advanced cholangiocarcinoma, complicated by the development of a biliothorax. AbstractBiliothorax is a rare but serious condition, as the presence of bile is damaging and can lead to empyema. Here, we report a case of a 51-year-old man recently diagnosed with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, admitted to the hospital for malignant obstructive jaundice. After interventional management of biliary obstruction, the patient developed a significant right pleural effusion compatible with biliothorax, successfully managed with pleural drainage and antibiotic therapy. Resolution was possible with a conservative approach: biliary decompression, chest tube drainage and antibiotics.
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: CASE REPORT Source Type: research