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Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia complicated by chylothorax
O Zimhony1, Y Davidovitch, M Shtalrid
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel.
Journal of Internal Medicine
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Chylothorax is a rare complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Talc pleurodesis successfully treated chylothorax in an elderly patient when chemotherapy and radiation failed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common hematologic malignancy.
- Chylothorax, a rare complication, involves lymphatic fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of CLL.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old woman with CLL developed chylothorax.
- Initial treatments including mediastinal irradiation and chemotherapy were ineffective.
- The patient presented with significant pleural effusion.
Findings:
- Talc pleurodesis was performed to manage the chylothorax.
- The pleural effusion resolved completely following talc pleurodesis.
- This indicates the efficacy of pleurodesis in managing refractory chylothorax in CLL.
Implications:
- Talc pleurodesis is a viable treatment option for chylothorax secondary to CLL.
- This case expands understanding of CLL complications and treatment strategies.
- Highlights the importance of considering diverse therapeutic approaches for rare oncologic complications.