An Extraordinary Case of Idiopathic Chylothorax in a Rural Setting ()
ABSTRACT
Chylothorax is a rare cause of pleural effusion, which can be divided into traumatic and non-traumatic causes. Often, the cause of a non-traumatic chylothorax is challenging. We report a young gentleman with idiopathic chylothorax who was diagnosed in a rural hospital with limited resources. This was confirmed on clinical presentation, pleural fluid analysis, CECT imaging and a diagnostic lymphangiogram. Contrast enhanced imaging did not reveal any secondary pathology. The chylothorax was subsequently drained and he was referred to a tertiary centre for definitive treatment. Managing chylothorax can be challenging in a rural setting due to the lack of relevant expertise and facilities. A timely diagnosis and treatment of chylothorax would require appropriate investigations to elucidate any underlying pathology and the lymphangiogram as a useful tool in diagnosis.
Share and Cite:
Yee, K. , Hern, O. , Ching, N. , Pillai, N. , Henry, A. and Chan, L. (2018) An Extraordinary Case of Idiopathic Chylothorax in a Rural Setting.
Open Access Library Journal,
5, 1-7. doi:
10.4236/oalib.1104924.
Cited by
No relevant information.