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Massive bilateral chylothoraces complicating mediastinal granulomatous disease
Felix G Fernandez1, Chadrick E Denlinger, G Alexander Patterson
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 25, 2009
Summary
Mediastinal granulomatous disease can cause serious complications. This case highlights massive bilateral chylothoraxes as a rare complication, successfully treated with surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mediastinal granulomatous disease, often from Histoplasma capsulatum, causes fibrosis.
- Complications include pulmonary artery occlusion, bronchial stenosis, SVC syndrome, and constrictive pericarditis.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old male presented with massive bilateral chylothoraxes.
- This was identified as a complication of mediastinal granulomatous disease.
Findings:
- The patient's chylothoraxes were a rare manifestation of mediastinal granulomatous disease.
- Aggressive surgical intervention was required for management.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of complications from mediastinal granulomatous disease.
- Highlights the importance of considering surgical options for life-threatening chylothoraxes.
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