Abstract

VILLALOBOS MORA, Carlos  and  DIAZ MENA, Francela. Generalities of the chylothorax in the adult patient. Med. leg. Costa Rica [online]. 2019, vol.36, n.1, pp.147-152. ISSN 2215-5287.

Chylothorax occurs when there is rupture, laceration or obstruction of the thoracic duct or its main tributaries, resulting in the release of chyle into the pleural space. It most commonly occurs from trauma or malignancy, but other causes have been described. Diagnosis involves thoracocentesis and cholesterol and triglyceride measurement in the pleural fluid. Complications include malnutrition, immunosuppression and respiratory distress. Treatment may be either conservative or aggressive depending on the clinical scenario.

Keywords : Chylothorax; thoracocentesis; pleural space; chyle.

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