What is chylothorax?
Chylothorax is the presence of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity, i.e. between the chest wall and the lung. It is considered a rare variant of pleural effusion. It can be traumatic and non-traumatic, depending on the cause of the chylothorax.
Prognosis of the disease
The disease has a good prognosis as long as the appropriate treatment is carried out and the specialist’s indications are followed in detail.
Milky fluid extracted from a patient suffering from chylothorax.
Symptoms of chylothorax
The symptoms that the patient may suffer will be similar to those of pleural effusion, that is to say, its symptomatology is based on two types: disorders caused by the accumulation of liquids in itself and on the other hand, the constant loss of nutrients contained in the lymph. The first of these types may vary according to the level of fluids and the degree of pulmonary compression, in addition to the mediastinal displacement that occurs. The second type will be conditioned by the progressive depauperation of the patient, through symptoms such as: hunger, thirst, muscle weakness and cachexia.
Medical tests for chylothorax
The specialist will be able to perform a chest X-ray to observe the intrapleural collection, and through a thoracic puncture he will also be able to evaluate the liquids of milky aspect, rich in fats. Finally, studies of electrolytes in blood, proteins, lipidogram and hemogram will be able to show the progressive depletion of these elements.
What are the causes of chylothorax?
There are different causes that can provoke chylothorax, here is a list of them:
- Thoracic surgery and trauma.
- Tumor lesions or lymphomas
- Causes related to Noonan syndrome
- Lymphangiomatosis
- Thoracic duct thrombosis
- Congenital abnormalities of the ductal system.
In many cases the cause of this disease is not demonstrated. It is also worth mentioning that closed or open trauma can cause rupture of the thoracic duct, and this disease is more frequent on the left side.
Nevertheless, chylothorax is one of the least frequent traumatic injuries.
Can it be prevented?
There is no possible prevention for chylothorax. The only form of prevention is to use common sense in using all safety measures sufficient to avoid accidents or injuries to the thorax.
Treatments for chylothorax
The treatment of this condition may vary depending on the cause. The crux of the matter is to treat the root cause. As for non-surgical techniques we can find:
- Thoracentesis or drainage of the lymphatic fluid stored in the pleural cavity.
- Modifying the diet in order to reduce the circulation of lymph through the thoracic duct.
- Embolization of the thoracic duct in order to block the circulation of lymphatic fluid inside the duct.
As indicated above, in some cases, restorative surgery may be necessary.
Which specialist treats it?
The thoracic surgeon is the specialist who treats hemothorax. At Top Doctors we have the best medical team that adapts to the needs of the patients according to their preferences. Through the web, the patient will be able to book an appointment, call and consult the fees of each doctor.