Chylothorax

Chylothorax is a defect of ductus thoracicus → chylous leaks into the pleural cavity.

Causes

• Malignant process (up to 75 %),
• lymphangioleiomyomatosis,
• trauma,
• idiopathic.

Diagnosis

• Proof of TAG in puncture (> 1,24 mmol/l), chylomicrons.

Clinical image

• Malnutrition (loss of fat),
• immunodeficiency (failure of immunocompetent cell transport).

Therapy

• Surgical revision with suture of ductus thoracicus; adjustment of malnutrition.

Links

Related articles

• Pleural effusion
• Hemothorax
• Empyema
• Fibrothorax

Used literature

• DÍTĚ, P, et al. Vnitřní lékařství. 2. edition. Praha : Galén, 2007. ISBN 978-80-7262-496-6.