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Recurrent chylothorax as a consequence of esophageal stent
Daisy Young1, Alice Mei2, Elnaz Mahbub2
1Fellow of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Elmhurst Hospital Center, 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY, 11373, USA.
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
|March 23, 2023
Summary
Esophageal stenting can cause chylothorax, a rare complication. This case report details a reversible chylothorax caused by esophageal stent impingement on the thoracic duct.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chylothorax is a rare complication following thoracic procedures.
- Esophageal stenting is increasingly used for managing mediastinal masses and dysphagia.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer developed dyspnea and bilateral pleural effusions post-esophageal stenting.
- Initial drainage of chylothorax was high-output, suggesting ongoing leakage.
Findings:
- CT imaging revealed esophageal stent impingement on the thoracic duct.
- Retraction of the esophageal stent led to decreased pleural fluid output and a transudative effusion.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of reversible chylothorax secondary to esophageal stenting.
- Highlights the importance of considering thoracic duct injury during esophageal stenting procedures.
- Suggests careful stent placement and imaging review are crucial to prevent this complication.
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