Chylothorax after heart/lung transplantation

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2004 May;23(5):627-31. doi: 10.1016/S1053-2498(03)00227-4.

Abstract

Chylothorax is a potentially serious complication of lung and heart-lung transplantation. This article describes the clinical course of chylothorax in 3 heart-lung allograft recipients. We discuss management options, including dietary modifications, octreotide infusion, thoracic duct ligation and embolization, and surgical pleurodesis. In addition, we describe the novel use of aminocaproic acid to reduce lymph flow. We propose a multidisciplinary approach for the management of chylothorax that includes both medical and surgical options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aminocaproates / therapeutic use
  • Chylothorax / etiology*
  • Chylothorax / therapy
  • Decision Trees
  • Heart-Lung Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications

Substances

  • Aminocaproates