Everolimus-Related Chylothorax: A Rare Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Pulmonology
• Transplant Medicine

Background:

• Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor used in solid-organ transplant recipients.
• Common side effects include hyperlipidemia, rash, and cytopenias.
• Pulmonary toxicity is a recognized, albeit less common, adverse effect.

Observation:

• Pulmonary toxicity from everolimus typically presents as pneumonitis.
• Pleural effusion is a rare manifestation of everolimus-induced pulmonary toxicity.
• Chylothorax, the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural space, is a specific subtype of pleural effusion.

Findings:

• This case report describes a patient who developed chylothorax after initiating everolimus therapy.
• The patient's chylothorax was attributed to everolimus treatment.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering chylothorax in transplant patients on everolimus presenting with respiratory symptoms.
• Awareness of this rare adverse effect is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Further investigation may be warranted to understand the mechanism of everolimus-induced chylothorax.