effusion secondary to ascites in decompensated cirrhosis is also known as hepatic
hydrothorax and is usually due to fluid seepage through congenital pores in the diaphragm.
The patient, a known case of decompensated chronic liver disease, presented with a
massive, left-sided, rapidly accumulating and transudative pleural effusion secondary to
spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture. Clinically, he developed sudden onset shortness of …