Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Chylothorax: aetiology, diagnosis and therapeutic options
Emmet E McGrath1, Zoe Blades, Paul B Anderson
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK. e.mcgrath@sheffield.ac.uk
Abstract:
Chylothorax is a rare condition that results from thoracic duct damage with chyle leakage from the lymphatic system into the pleural space, usually on the right side. It has multiple aetiologies and is usually discovered after it manifests itself as a pleural effusion. Diagnosis involves cholesterol and triglyceride measurement in the pleural fluid. Complications include malnutrition, immunosuppression and respiratory distress. Treatment may be either conservative or aggressive depending on the clinical scenario. In this review, we discuss the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of chylothorax. English language publications in MEDLINE and references from relevant articles from January 1, 1980 to February 28, 2008 were reviewed. Keywords searched were chylothorax, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
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...
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
