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Chemical Pleurodesis Using a Viscum album Extract in an Infant with Postoperative Chylothorax: A Case Report

Taeyoung Yun1, Hye Won Kwon1, Samina Park1

  • 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Journal of Chest Surgery
|December 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Refractory chylothorax in infants post-cardiothoracic surgery can be challenging. Chemical pleurodesis using a Viscum album extract offers a successful treatment option, preventing recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pleural Medicine

Background:

  • Chylothorax is a rare but serious complication following cardiothoracic surgery.
  • Refractory cases pose significant treatment challenges, often requiring invasive interventions.
  • Infantile chylothorax necessitates specialized management strategies.

Observation:

  • A case of post-cardiothoracic surgery chylothorax in an infant is presented.
  • The infant failed to respond to conservative management and thoracic duct ligation.
  • This highlights the need for alternative therapeutic approaches.

Findings:

  • Chemical pleurodesis was performed using a Viscum album extract.
  • The treatment resulted in successful resolution of the chylothorax.
  • No recurrence of chylothorax was observed post-treatment.

Implications:

  • Viscum album extract represents a potential novel therapeutic agent for refractory chylothorax.
  • This case suggests a promising, less invasive option for managing complex pediatric pleural effusions.
  • Further research into Viscum album for treating chylothorax is warranted.

Keywords:
Case reportChylothoraxCongenital heart diseasePleurodesisViscum album

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