Hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites.

Pleural effusion due to hepatic cirrhosis and ascites is well known, but hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites is a rare complication. We report a case of liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus with a large and recurring pleural effusion that had an apparent abdominal source in the absence of ascites. We review the characteristics and treatment for hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites.