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Published on: November 10, 2023
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Hepatic Chylothorax: An Uncommon Pleural Effusion.
Aelia Akbar1, Tara Hendrickson1, Avinash Vangara1
1Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Harlan, KY, USA.
Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports
|January 16, 2023
Summary
Rare hepatic chylothorax occurred in a liver cirrhosis patient without ascites, presenting as milky pleural fluid. This condition, though uncommon, is crucial for clinicians to consider in similar cases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
- Thoracic Medicine
Background:
- Liver cirrhosis can lead to complex fluid imbalances.
- Hepatic chylothorax is an uncommon but significant complication.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old male with COPD and liver cirrhosis presented with confusion and dyspnea.
- Chest X-ray revealed a right mid to lower lung zone white out.
- Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis yielded 1.5 L of milky, transudative pleural fluid.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with transudative chylothorax secondary to liver cirrhosis.
- Clinical absence of ascites can occur when pleural fluid flow matches ascites production rate.
Implications:
- Hepatic chylothorax should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cirrhotic patients with pleural effusions.
- Early recognition and management are vital for patient outcomes.
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