Chylothorax

Published on 25/03/2015 by admin

Filed under Pediatrics

Last modified 25/03/2015

Print this page

rate 1 star rate 2 star rate 3 star rate 4 star rate 5 star
Your rating: none, Average: 0 (0 votes)

This article have been viewed 1027 times

Chapter 409 Chylothorax

Chylothorax is a pleural collection of fluid formed by the escape of chyle from the thoracic duct or lymphatics into the thoracic cavity.

Etiology

Chylothorax in children occurs most frequently because of thoracic duct injury as a complication of cardiothoracic surgery (Fig. 409-1). Other cases are associated with chest injury (Fig. 409-2) or with primary or metastatic intrathoracic malignancy (Fig. 409-3), particularly lymphoma. In newborns, rapidly increased venous pressure during delivery may lead to thoracic duct rupture. Less common causes include lymphangiomatosis; restrictive pulmonary diseases; thrombosis of the duct, superior vena cava, or subclavian vein; tuberculosis or histoplasmosis; and congenital anomalies of the lymphatic system (Fig. 409-4). Refractory chylothorax in the fetus has been associated with a missense mutation in integrin aα9. Chylothorax can occur in trauma and child abuse (Chapter 37). It is important to establish the etiology, because treatment varies with the cause. In some patients, no specific cause is identified.

Buy Membership for Pediatrics Category to continue reading. Learn more here