[Diagnosis and treatment of chylothorax]

Duodecim. 2010;126(16):1913-9.
[Article in Finnish]

Abstract

In chylothorax, chyle has accumulated into the pleural clarity. Chylothorax is a fairly rare finding, most commonly arising after procedures within the thoracic cavity. Suspicion of chylothorax is based on anamnesis and clinical picture, with chest radiograph and pleural fluid puncture as the basic tests. Treatment should be started immediately after a confirmed diagnosis. In the early stages it is vital that the production of chyle is minimized and the fluid is drained. If the conservative treatment fails, surgery is recommended

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chylothorax / diagnosis*
  • Chylothorax / etiology
  • Chylothorax / therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drainage
  • Humans
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Risk Factors