The role of cytology in the diagnosis of fluid collection syndromes associated with liver cirrhosis. Clinical, epidemiological, cytological and biochemical study of pleural effusion

Cirrhosis, end-stage of many liver diseases, presents many complications during its evolution. One of these is the presence of pleural fluid collection syndrome. This may be a direct consequence of liver disease (hepatic hydrothorax) or may be a random association. A formidable complication due to its consequences is spontaneous pleural empyema. The present study aimed to assess the incidence, the factors that influence its occurrence, and the frequency of the infectious complication.