[Pleural effusion: a symptom of acute and chronic hepatitis].

3 cases of acute and 2 of chronic aggressive hepatitis associated with pleural effusion are presented. Pleural effusion in this setting is a rarity and always occurs in the early phase of acute hepatitis or during exacerbations of chronic aggressive hepatitis. It disappears with normalization of liver function tests. The exudate is rich in protein (3-4 g %) and contains lymphocytes as well as erythrocytes. In 2 cases Australia-antigen (HBs) could be documented. An immunological mechanism is suggested.