Biliopleural fistula as a complication of percutaneous biliary drainage: Experimental evidence for pleural inflammation

C. Strange, M. L. Allen, P. N. Freedland, J. Cunningham, S. A. Sahn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe 3 patients in whom biliopleural fistulae complicated percutaneous biliary drainage. All patients had complete obstruction of their biliary tree because of malignancy. Biliopleural fistulae developed as a complication of inadvertent catheter removal in 2 patients and of catheter dysfunction in the third. Early reinstitution of biliary drainage and successful drainage of the pleural space led to complete recovery in all patients. An animal model to evaluate the effects of bile in the pleural space in normal rabbits revealed rapid absorption of bilirubin, the production of a polymorphonuclear-predominant exudative effusion with extremely high LDH levels, and resolution with a macrophage influx. We conclude that biliopleural fistulae are heterogeneous in their presentation, depending upon the persistence of biliary drainage into the pleural space, the volume of exudative effusion, and the presence of suppurative complications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)959-961
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Review of Respiratory Disease
Volume137
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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