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Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Post-traumatic pleural effusion: Don't forget the chylothorax!
Valentin Bovy1, Tom De Keukeleire2, Elke Van Schoote2
1Department of Internal Medicine AZ Sint-Elisabeth Zottegem Belgium.
Abstract:
In this case we describe a 58-year-old male with bilateral pleural effusion after a blunt trauma to the back. A pleural puncture revealed a chylothorax. An additional computed tomography scan showed a vertebral fracture at level D8 with rupture of the nearby thoracic duct. Our patient could be treated with a conservative approach. This case highlights the importance of ruling out a chylothorax in any post-traumatic pleural effusion. Despite the low prevalence, we consider it a don't-miss diagnosis given the specific treatment requirements.
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