Chylothorax | Gamuts.net

Chylothorax

A chylothorax is an abnormal accumulation of chyle, a type of lipid-rich lymph, in the space surrounding the lung. The lymphatics of the digestive system normally returns lipids absorbed from the small bowel via the thoracic duct, which ascends behind the esophagus to drain into the left brachiocephalic vein. [Source: Wikipedia ]

Synonyms

Lymphothorax

Is A

Pleural effusion

May Cause

Hydrops fetalis

Massive pleural effusion

Neonatal respiratory distress

Pleural effusion with normal lungs

Radiopaque hemithorax

Unilateral flat diaphragm

May Be Caused by

Common: Esophageal cancer; Idiopathic chylothorax; Intrathoracic thyroid; Lung cancer; Lymphoma; Metastasis; Surgery for congenital heart disease; Surgical injury to thoracic duct; Thoracic duct neoplasm; Trauma to thoracic duct
Uncommon: Aortic aneurysm; Atresia of thoracic duct; Battered child syndrome; Birth trauma; Cirrhosis; Congenital lymphangiectasia; Elephantiasis; Fibrosing mediastinitis; Filariasis; Left brachiocephalic vein thromboembolism; Left subclavian vein thromboembolism; Lymphadenopathy; Lymphangioma; Lymphedema; Milroy disease; Nephrosis; Noonan syndrome; Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Pulmonary lymphangiomatosis; Ruptured thoracic duct aneurysm; Spinal disease; Superior vena cava thromboembolism; Thoracic duct fistula; Tuberous sclerosis; Yellow nail syndrome