Chylothorax

Chylothorax is accumulation of chyle in the pleural space due to thoracic-duct injury (postoperative/traumatic), congenital lymphatic anomaly, or malignancy. Clinical: dyspnea, pleural effusion (milky white chyle on tap). Treatment: chest-tube drainage; medium-chain-triglyceride diet/NPO; octreotide; total parenteral nutrition; treat underlying malignancy; thoracic-duct embolization/surgery for persistent; monitor nutrition/electrolytes.

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea; pleural effusion (milky chyle); by postoperative/traumatic/congenital/malignant

Causes and Pathogenesis

Thoracic-duct leak/obstruction causes chyle to accumulate in pleural space.

Treatment

Drainage; MCT diet/NPO/TPN; octreotide; treat malignancy; embolization/surgery if persistent

Preventive Measures

Careful thoracic surgery; treat malignancy; nutrition support.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Thoracic-surgery/Pulmonology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.