Spontaneous biliothorax (thoracobilia) following cholecystopleural fistula presenting as an acute respiratory insufficiency. Successful removal of gallstones from the pleural space.

Delcò, F; Domenighetti, G; Kauzlaric, D; Donati, D; Mombelli, G · Chest · 1994

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

A patient presented to the emergency department with tachypnea, fever, a right pleural effusion, and lung consolidation. The computed tomographic guided thoracentesis yielded a greenish fluid with bilirubin. The ultrasound examination demonstrated a distended gallbladder with stones, positioned on the ventral face of the liver and a free communication between the fundus and the pleural cavity. The cholecystopleural fistula was confirmed at operation.

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