Although Hepatitis A usually manifests with mild symptoms or asymptomatic in children, in 15% of cases it may present with atypical symptoms and signs. Pleural effusion is a rare complication of hepatitis A. To the best of our knowledge, pleural effusion associated hepatitis A has been reported in only ten cases up to date. In this case report, we present an eight-year-old boy with pleural effusion and ascites associated with hepatitis A. Although the exact mechanism of pleural effusion in hepatitis A is unclear, it is known that it resolves spontaneously. Consequently, it is important to keep in mind that in the presence of pleural effusion with elevated transaminases, with or without hypoalbuminemia, hepatitis A should be considered, and if this is the case and clinical relief is observed during the follow-up, further diagnostic interventions are not warrented.
Key Words: Ascites, Children, Hepatitis A, Pleural effusion
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