[Octreotide acetate for persistent cylothorax after descending aorta replacement]

Cylothorax is one of a hazardous complication after thoracic aorta replacement. In this paper, we report effectiveness of octreotide acetate for postoperative persistent cylothorax. A 59-year-old female was referred to our hospital for chest pain. Previously she underwent arch reconstruction following aortic root replacement due to aortic dissection. Computed tomography (CT) revealed acute dissection on dissected descending aorta. Urgent descending aorta replacement was performed. After surgery, massive chylothoracic pleural fluid was drainaged. Although conventional medical treatment was not effective, drainage of chylothoracic pleural fluid significantly decreased after administration of octreotide acetate. Although mechanism has not been fully investigated, octreotide acetate was effective for persistent cylothorax after descending aorta replacement.