Key result
Antibiotics and intercostal drainage successfully treat right-sided empyema and acalculous cholecystitis complicating pediatric hepatitis A.
Why the study?
Extrahepatic complications of hepatitis A virus infection such as empyema are exceptionally rare.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the importance of pleural fluid analysis in HAV-associated pleural complications and the need to consider secondary bacterial infection in the differential diagnosis.
May prompt empyema evaluation in pediatric HAV with respiratory signs; leaves open true incidence and management needs.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a vaccine-preventable disease predominantly affecting children in developing countries due to inadequate hygiene and sanitation. Extrahepatic complications, including pleural effusion, are uncommon, but empyema is exceptionally rare. We report a case of a 7-year-old male presenting with acute viral hepatitis A complicated by right-sided empyema and acalculous cholecystitis. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous antibiotics, supportive care, and intercostal drainage. This case highlights the importance of pleural fluid analysis in HAV-associated pleural complications and the need to consider secondary bacterial infection in the differential diagnosis.
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Vaja et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Acute viral hepatitis A with empyema and acalculous cholecystitis (n=1). Intravenous antibiotics, supportive care, and intercostal drainage was evaluated. A 7-year-old male with acute viral hepatitis A complicated by right-sided empyema and acalculous cholecystitis was successfully managed with antibiotics, supportive care, and intercostal drainage.
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