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| Year : 2008 | Volume
: 14
| Issue : 1 | Page : 43-45 |
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Spontaneous bacterial empyema in liver cirrhosis: An underdiagnosed pleural complication
Naglaa A.H Allam
Lecturer of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, Menofeya University, Egypt
Correspondence Address:
Naglaa A.H Allam
4, Kafr Abdou St., Roshdy, Alexandria
Egypt
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.37809
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Spontaneous bacterial empyema, defined as spontaneous infection of the pleural fluid, represents a distinct complication of hepatic hydrothorax with a different pathogenesis, clinical course and treatment strategy from those of empyema secondary to pneumonia. Nearly 40% of episodes of spontaneous empyema are not associated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or even ascites. The condition portends a poor prognosis, and is frequently under-diagnosed. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of spontaneous bacterial empyema. |
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