Chylothorax secondary to superior vena caval obstruction

Bilateral lethal chylothoraces developed in a premature infant secondary to superior vena caval obstruction related to central venous catheterization for total parenteral nutrition. The accumulation of chyle in the lungs was preceded radiographically by the typical lymphatic pattern in the lungs, usually associated with lymphangiectasia. A nuclear medicine lymphangiogram showed abnormal accumulation of the isotope in the lungs secondary to the lymphatic obstruction.