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Respiratory Medicine Oct 2019A chylothorax, also known as chylous pleural effusion, is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion with a wide differential diagnosis characterized by the accumulation of... (Review)
Review
A chylothorax, also known as chylous pleural effusion, is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion with a wide differential diagnosis characterized by the accumulation of bacteriostatic chyle in the pleural space. The pleural fluid will have either or both triglycerides >110 mg/dL and the presence of chylomicrons. It may be encountered following a surgical intervention, usually in the chest, or underlying disease process. Management of a chylothorax requires a multidisciplinary approach employing medical therapy and possibly surgical intervention for post-operative patients and patients who have failed medical therapy. In this review, we aim to discuss the anatomy, fluid characteristics, etiology, and approach to the diagnosis of a chylothorax.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Chylothorax; Diagnosis, Differential; Exudates and Transudates; Humans; Lymphography; Lymphoscintigraphy; Octreotide; Pleural Effusion; Postoperative Period; Radiography, Thoracic; Suction; Thoracentesis; Thoracic Duct; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Triglycerides
PubMed: 31454675
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.08.014 -
International Journal of Otolaryngology 2017Chyle leak formation is an uncommon but serious sequela of head and neck surgery when the thoracic duct is inadvertently injured, particularly with the resection of... (Review)
Review
Chyle leak formation is an uncommon but serious sequela of head and neck surgery when the thoracic duct is inadvertently injured, particularly with the resection of malignancy low in the neck. The thoracic duct is the primary structure that returns lymph and chyle from the entire left and right lower half of the body. Chyle extravasation can result in delayed wound healing, dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte disturbances, and immunosuppression. Prompt identification and treatment of a chyle leak are essential for optimal surgical outcome. In this article we will review the current treatment options for iatrogenic cervical chyle leaks.
PubMed: 28203252
DOI: 10.1155/2017/8362874 -
Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China) 2022Chylopericardium is a rare pathologic condition consisting of the accumulation of excess amounts of chylous fluid within the pericardial cavity. Most patients are... (Review)
Review
Chylopericardium is a rare pathologic condition consisting of the accumulation of excess amounts of chylous fluid within the pericardial cavity. Most patients are asymptomatic at presentation; however, chest pressure, chest pain and lightheadedness have been reported, and the most common presenting symptom is shortness of breath. Patients are noted to have enlargement of the cardiac silhouette on routine chest radiograph, and evidence of a pericardial effusion on echocardiography. The diagnosis is only definitively confirmed with pericardiocentesis and fluid analysis. The fluid is typically turbid white or milky in appearance, with a triglyceride level in excess of 500 mg/dL. The mechanism by which chyle accumulates within the pericardium is believed to be secondary to abnormal or damaged lymphatics or due to elevated pressure within the thoracic duct that results in chyle reflux into the pericardium. Following drainage with a pericardiocentesis or pericardial drain, attempts at conservative therapy with nothing by mouth and parental nutrition can be made, but have a high rate of failure and subsequent reaccumulation of chyle. Surgical treatment provides the most definitive management and consists of ligation of the thoracic duct just above the level of the diaphragm and creation of a pericardial window. With this treatment, risk of recurrence is incredibly low (<5%).
PubMed: 35340832
DOI: 10.21037/med-20-64 -
Seminars in Interventional Radiology Aug 2020Lymphatics have long been overshadowed by the remainder of the circulatory system. Historically, lymphatics were difficult to study because of their small and indistinct... (Review)
Review
Lymphatics have long been overshadowed by the remainder of the circulatory system. Historically, lymphatics were difficult to study because of their small and indistinct vessels, colorless fluid contents, and limited effective interventions. However, the past several decades have brought increased funding, advanced imaging technologies, and novel interventional techniques to the field. Understanding the history of lymphatic anatomy and physiology is vital to further realize the role lymphatics play in most major disease pathologies and innovate interventional solutions for them.
PubMed: 32773948
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713440