PERITONEAL DIALYSIS is a relatively safe and effective modern therapeutic procedure. However, complications occur frequently,1 and we wish to report a new one—life threatening acute hydrothorax developing during peritoneal dialysis.
Report of a Case
A 68-year-old man entered the hospital with renal failure of unknown cause and duration. No history of preexisting cardiopulmonary or renal disease was elicited. Examination revealed an alert, muscular man who appeared acutely ill. The lungs were clear and no cardiovascular abnormalities were noted. A nontender liver was palpated two fingerbreadths below the costal margin. Neck veins were not distended, and there was no edema. Laboratory studies were consistent with renal failure, blood urea nitrogen 120 mg/100 ml, carbon-dioxide combining power 16 mEq/liter. A chest x-ray examination was within normal limits.Peritoneal dialysis was started, using a plastic peritoneal catheter. This was directed into the pelvis through the midline of the anterior abdominal wall, two