Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Tension chylothorax in two pediatric patients
Adam D Wheeler1, Joseph D Tobias
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
Paediatric Anaesthesia
|May 4, 2007
Summary
Chylothorax, the accumulation of chyle in the chest, can cause serious respiratory and hemodynamic problems in children. Prompt chest tube placement effectively resolves these critical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Expanding interpleural space is often caused by gas accumulation.
- Other substances like chyle (chylothorax) can also cause pressure and compromise vital functions.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of chylothorax leading to respiratory distress and cardiovascular compromise are presented.
- The first patient experienced symptoms post-Fontan procedure, while the second developed chylothorax during sepsis after gastroschisis repair.
Findings:
- Chylothorax caused significant hemodynamic and respiratory compromise in both pediatric patients.
- Chest tube placement led to the release of chyle under pressure, resolving symptoms in both cases.
Implications:
- Chylothorax, similar to pneumothorax, can severely impact hemodynamic and respiratory function in pediatric patients.
- Early recognition and intervention, such as chest tube placement, are crucial for managing chylothorax complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:16Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...