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Gastropleural fistula masquerading as chylothorax in a child with lymphoma
Pharsai Prasertsan1, Wanaporn Anuntaseree1, Kanokpan Ruangnapa1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.
Insights
A rare gastropleural fistula complicated a child with lymphoma, presenting as chylothorax. Surgical repair via thoracotomy successfully treated this unusual pediatric case.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma can present with complex thoracic complications.
- Spontaneous pneumothorax and chylothorax are rare but serious complications in pediatric oncology patients.
- Septic shock can exacerbate underlying conditions and lead to secondary complications.
Abstract:
We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with diffuse large B cell lymphoma who developed a right-sided spontaneous pneumothorax with pleural effusion after recovery from septic shock. The pleural fluid was thought to be malignancy-associated chylothorax concomitant with complicated pleural effusion due to a milky-like appearance, a high level of triglycerides and Gram-negative bacteria staining in the fluid. He was put on total parental nutrition and octreotide for 2 weeks, but did not improve. The laboratory results also showed a persistent bacterial infection in the pleural fluid despite appropriate antibiotics. Eventually, a CT scan revealed a fistulous tract between the right pleural cavity and the stomach. Fistula repair was successful by right open thoracotomy with decortication. Even though the gastropleural fistula is a very rare condition in paediatric patients, the physician should consider this diagnosis in a patient who has an unusual presentation or refractory chylothorax-like pleural effusion.
