Urinothorax

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Urinothorax
Pleural effusion caused by urinothorax.png
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Dyspnea, chest pain, cough
Complications Respiratory failure, infection
Onset Sudden or gradual
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Urinary tract obstruction, trauma, surgery
Risks Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, abdominal surgery
Diagnosis Pleural fluid analysis, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis Pleural effusion, pneumothorax, hemothorax
Prevention N/A
Treatment Address underlying cause, thoracentesis
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good with treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Urinothorax

Urinothorax is a rare medical condition characterized by the accumulation of urine in the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition is a type of pleural effusion, which is the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Urinothorax typically occurs due to a disruption in the urinary tract, which allows urine to leak into the pleural space. Common causes include:

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

The pathophysiology of urinothorax involves the leakage of urine from the urinary tract into the retroperitoneal space, which then tracks into the pleural cavity. This can occur due to a pressure gradient or direct communication between the urinary system and the pleural space.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of urinothorax is challenging due to its rarity and the non-specific nature of its symptoms. Diagnostic methods include:

  • Thoracentesis: Analysis of pleural fluid can reveal low pH and low glucose levels, with a high creatinine concentration compared to serum levels.
  • Imaging studies: CT scan and ultrasound can help identify the source of urine leakage and any associated renal abnormalities.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The primary treatment for urinothorax involves addressing the underlying cause of urine leakage. This may include:

  • Surgical repair of any urinary tract injuries.
  • Placement of a nephrostomy tube to divert urine flow and relieve pressure.
  • Antibiotics if infection is present.
CT scan showing placement of the nephrostomy tube in a case of urinothorax being treated.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for patients with urinothorax is generally good if the underlying cause is identified and treated promptly. Delayed treatment can lead to complications such as infection or respiratory distress.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • Light, R. W. (2002). "Pleural Diseases." Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Porcel, J. M., & Light, R. W. (2006). "Pleural effusions." Dis Mon, 52(2), 29-86.
Image showing urinothorax diagnosis and treatment.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD