Pyopneumothorax and peritonitis due to perforated duodenal ulcer and associated pleuroperitoneal communication

J Visc Surg. 2016 Aug;153(4):311-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2016.05.015. Epub 2016 Jun 29.

Abstract

Pleuroperitoneal communication is an anatomic entity that is typically asymptomatic but sometimes responsible for hydrothorax. This pleural manifestation can be explained by progressive transdiaphragmatic passage of intra-abdominal fluid because of abdominal hyperpressure. The object of this report is to present a hitherto unreported association of concomitant pleural effusion and acute infectious abdominal disease, due to perforated duodenal ulcer. This underscores that pleural effusion associated with acute abdominal pain may reveal the existence of a communication of this type, and requires surgical management.

Keywords: Duodenal ulcer; Pleuroperitoneal communication; Purulent peritonitis; Pyopneumothorax; Transdiaphragmatic window.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Digestive System Fistula / complications
  • Digestive System Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Duodenal Ulcer / complications
  • Duodenal Ulcer / diagnosis*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Peptic Ulcer Perforation / complications
  • Peptic Ulcer Perforation / diagnosis*
  • Peritonitis / diagnosis
  • Peritonitis / etiology*
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology*
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Fistula / complications
  • Respiratory Tract Fistula / diagnosis*