Abstract | OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the performance of peritoneal scintigraphy for the diagnosis of peritoneopleural communication in patients with cirrhosis and to discuss its role in therapeutic management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RESULTS: Scintigraphy revealed peritoneopleural communication in nine patients. In four patients, radioactivity appeared in the pleural cavity within a few minutes after injection of the radiotracer. In three of them, a large diaphragmatic defect was demonstrated by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or thoracoscopy. Complete response to medical treatment was observed in four patients. Scintigraphy revealed rapid radioactivity migration in four patients; diuretic treatment led to resolution of the hydrothorax in one of them. Three patients whose hydrothorax was refractory to medical treatment were treated by pleurodesis with talc. Resolution of the hydrothorax was achieved in one of them. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal scintigraphy is a simple non-invasive method enabling confirmation of peritoneopleural communication in cirrhotic patients. The importance of the diaphragmatic defect can also be evaluated, providing a significant contribution to therapeutic decision-making.
|
Authors | Sami Ajmi, Habib Hassine, Mohsen Guezguez, Salem Elajmi, Kaouthar Mrad Dali, Monia Karmani, Ahlem Zayane, Habib Essabbah |
Journal | Gastroenterologie clinique et biologique
(Gastroenterol Clin Biol)
Vol. 28
Issue 5
Pg. 462-6
(May 2004)
ISSN: 0399-8320 [Print] France |
PMID | 15243321
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Female
- Humans
- Hydrothorax
(diagnostic imaging, etiology)
- Liver Cirrhosis
(complications)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Radionuclide Imaging
- Retrospective Studies
|