Chylothorax Associated with Substernal Goiter in Graves' Disease Treated with Radioactive Iodine

We present a rare case of chylothorax associated with an intrathoracic goiter in Graves' disease that was treated with radioactive iodine.

A 23-year-old woman with Graves' disease was referred to our clinic with a pleural effusion, dyspnea, characteristic bilateral proptosis, and a diffuse goiter. The pleural fluid biochemistry was consistent with chylothorax. However, the chylothorax did not decrease with conservative therapy. Therefore, RAI was administered. Subsequently, the chylothorax and goiter improved more quickly than expected.

This case illustrates that chylothorax associated with a substernal goiter in Graves' disease can be treated successfully with radioactive iodine instead of surgery.