Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Recurrent chylothorax: a clinical mystery
Eva Otoupalova1, Shaiva Ginoya Meka1, Sanjay Dogra2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA.
Abstract:
Chylothorax is an unusual cause of pleural effusion, typically caused by trauma or malignancy. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a clinicopathological entity demonstrating lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in the bone marrow with an IgM monoclonal gammopathy in the blood. Recurrent chylous effusions are often resistant to conservative treatment and may require surgical intervention. We present a unique case of a 50-year-old woman with recurrent chylothorax secondary to WM that completely resolved with ibrutinib therapy. To our knowledge, this is the eighth such case reported in literature and the first case of successful resolution of chylothorax with monoclonal antibody therapy.
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...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
