Lymphoscintigraphic demonstration of chyle leak after kidney transplantation and gamma camera detection of radioactivity in chylous aspirate

Clin Nucl Med. 2014 Aug;39(8):760-1. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000000482.

Abstract

Iatrogenic chyle leak with chyloma formation is a rare complication of kidney transplantation resulting from injury to the lymphatics. We present a case of a 53-year-old man who complained of right leg swelling 2 months after kidney transplantation for chronic renal failure. Abdomen CT showed loculated fluid collection around the transplanted kidney. Lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated chyle leak in the right iliac fossa, and subsequent ultrasound-guided aspiration of the chyloma showed radioactivity as detected by gamma camera. After drainage insertion, the amount of collected fluid gradually decreased, and right leg edema was relieved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / diagnostic imaging
  • Chyle / diagnostic imaging*
  • Edema / diagnostic imaging*
  • Edema / etiology
  • Gamma Cameras
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Leg / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoscintigraphy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged