Chyloptysis is a rare clinical presentation. Diagnosis is challenging and requires recognition of milky-sputum or bronchial casts. We describe a case of chyloptysis secondary to thoracic lymphangiectasia that necessitated surgical ligation of the main thoracic duct and accessory branches. The patient had no postoperative complications, and at 6-month follow-up remained symptom-free. A paucity of literature describes the management of chyloptysis. We review diagnosis, treatment considerations and operative principles.
Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.