Bilothorax is an uncommon cause of exudative pleural effusion; the majority of reported cases are right-sided while a bilateral presentation is extremely rare. The majority of cases are secondary to biliary obstruction, an extension of hepatic infections, and iatrogenic complications following percutaneous procedures or surgical interventions. Imaging studies and a diagnostic pleural tap can confirm the diagnosis. Early recognition and complete drainage are important to prevent life-threatening complications, including empyema formation. We present a case of a 71-year-old female who developed bilateral bilothorax as a complication of gallstone pancreatitis.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6758986PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5185DOI Listing

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Bilothorax, an exudative pleural effusion due to the accumulation of bile. It is also called cholethorax or thoracobilia and was initially reported in 1971. Here, we report a rare case of an elderly male presenting with bilateral bilothorax due to esophageal rupture.

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Bilothorax is an uncommon cause of exudative pleural effusion; the majority of reported cases are right-sided while a bilateral presentation is extremely rare. The majority of cases are secondary to biliary obstruction, an extension of hepatic infections, and iatrogenic complications following percutaneous procedures or surgical interventions. Imaging studies and a diagnostic pleural tap can confirm the diagnosis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

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