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Infected chylothorax caused by Streptococcus agalactiae: a case report.
J T Wang1, P R Hsueh, W H Sheng
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Infected chylothorax is rare, especially in non-immunocompromised individuals. This case report details Streptococcus agalactiae empyema in a healthy patient, highlighting a unique clinical presentation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Chylothorax, characterized by lymphatic fluid in the pleural space, is typically bacteriostatic.
- Bacterial infections within chylothorax are exceptionally rare, with no prior documented cases in non-immunocompromised hosts.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old woman presented with fever and right pleuritic pain.
- Imaging revealed right pleural effusion consistent with empyema and chylothorax.
- Pleural fluid culture identified Streptococcus agalactiae.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of infected chylothorax caused by Streptococcus agalactiae.
- The patient was not immunocompromised, challenging the established understanding of chylothorax susceptibility to infection.
Implications:
- This report expands the differential diagnosis for pleural effusions presenting with features of both chylothorax and empyema.
- Clinicians should consider bacterial infection, even with Streptococcus agalactiae, in non-immunocompromised patients with chylothorax.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanisms facilitating bacterial proliferation in chylothorax in specific hosts.