[Chylothorax of cirrhotic origin: a case report]

Rev Pneumol Clin. 2005 Dec;61(6):369-71. doi: 10.1016/s0761-8417(05)84866-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Chylothorax and chylous ascites are an accumulation of fluid containing a large proportion of triglycerides. The presence of these two effusions simultaneously is rare. A case of a patient with a known history of cirrhosis, hospitalized for an ascetic decompensation with left pleural effusion is herein presented. The woman was diagnosed as presenting both chylous ascites and chylothorax. Both fluids are transudate type fluids. After evacuation of the fluids and implementation of an adapted treatment neither effusion reappeared. The patient has been followed for the past year and has not shown any signs of relapse. Chylothorax, in cirrhotic patients is due to trans-diaphragmatic passage of fluid originating from the chylous ascites. Both extravasations have the same biological characteristics.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Chylothorax / etiology*
  • Chylothorax / pathology*
  • Chylothorax / therapy
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology
  • Pleural Effusion / therapy