Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
06:59

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

Published on: August 26, 2025

490

Chemical Pleurodesis Using Viscum album Extract in Gorham Disease Complicated with Chylothorax

Suk Ju Cho1, Su Wan Kim2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea.

Acute and Critical Care
|November 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Gorham disease, a rare bone disorder, can cause lethal chylothorax. Viscum album extract effectively treated a refractory case in a 14-year-old girl, offering a new therapeutic option.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Rare Diseases

Background:

  • Gorham disease (massive osteolysis) involves abnormal capillary proliferation in bone, leading to bone destruction.
  • Chylothorax, a serious complication of Gorham disease, presents a significant mortality risk.
  • Viscum album extract is a complementary therapy used in Europe for its anti-cancer properties and as a pleurodesis agent.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old female presented with dyspnea and chest pain.
  • The patient was diagnosed with Gorham disease.
  • Chylothorax in this patient was refractory to standard conservative treatments.

Findings:

  • Treatment with Viscum album extract was initiated for the refractory chylothorax.
  • Viscum album extract provided a definitive treatment for the patient's condition.
  • The extract demonstrated efficacy in managing chylothorax secondary to Gorham disease.

Implications:

  • Viscum album extract presents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for managing chylothorax in Gorham disease.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering complementary therapies for refractory conditions.
  • Further research into Viscum album extract for pleurodesis in rare diseases is warranted.

Keywords:
chylothoraxosteolysis, essentialpleurodesis

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: An Effective Traditional Chinese Medicinal Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Abdominal Distension05:19

Author Spotlight: An Effective Traditional Chinese Medicinal Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Abdominal Distension

Published on: September 1, 2023

2.0K
Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion PHP with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver09:02

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion PHP with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver

Published on: July 31, 2016

12.3K

Related Concept Videos

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
569
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
3.7K
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
797
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
6.0K
Chest Physiotherapy01:24

Chest Physiotherapy

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) is a therapeutic technique used in respiratory care to improve ventilation, clear bronchial secretions, and enhance the efficiency of respiratory muscles. This therapy includes three primary procedures: postural drainage, percussion, and vibration. It can be performed on spontaneously breathing patients and those who are intubated and mechanically ventilated.
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
1.3K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
3.0K