Quilotórax y abdomen agudo quiloso en el contexto de un vaciamiento ganglionar cervical / Chylothorax and chyloperitoneum in the setting of neck lymph node dissection

RESUMEN La presencia de quilotórax y de abdomen agudo quiloso luego de un vaciamiento ganglionar cervical izquierdo es una complicación muy poco frecuente. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 24 años a quien se le realizó un vaciamiento ganglionar cervical bilateral por metástasis de carcinoma de tiroides. El segundo día del posoperatorio presentó dolor abdominal. Los estudios complementarios permitieron diagnosticar quilotórax y abdomen agudo quiloso, posiblemente como consecuencia de la ligadura inadvertida del conducto torácico. Se realizó el tratamiento médico y el drenaje percutáneo de ambas cavidades. Debido a buena evolución se indicó el alta hospitalaria con el drenaje abdominal, y continuar el seguimiento en forma ambulatoria. El tratamiento médico controlado para las lesiones del conducto torácico constituye la primera opción. En caso de mala evolución se debe pensar en la resolución quirúrgica sin demora.

ABSTRACT Chylothorax and chyloperitoneum after left lymph node dissection are rare complications. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman with a history of total thyroidectomy with bilateral lymph node dissection for metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma. On postoperative day 2 the patient presented generalized abdominal pain. The complementary tests allowed for the diagnosis of chylothorax and chyloperitoneum. Medical treatment was started and percutaneous drainage of both cavities. The patient had favorable outcome and was discharged with the abdominal drain and indication of follow-up in the outpatient clinic. Supervised medical treatment for thoracic duct injuries constitute the first treatment option. Surgery should not be delayed in case of poor outcome.

Octreótida en el tratamiento de quilotórax congénito. Reporte de caso / Octreotide in the treatment of congenital chylothorax. A case report

Resumen El quilotórax congénito es la causa más común de derrame pleural en neonatos. Se caracteriza por el acúmulo de quilo en el espacio pleural. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome de Down y quilotórax congénito. Se detalla el uso de octreótida, lo cual reduce el volumen y la duración del drenaje de manera más rápida que únicamente con el manejo convencional. Todavía hay poca experiencia con el uso de la terapia con octreótida para esta afección y se desconoce la duración óptima del tratamiento para la evaluación de la respuesta.

Abstract Congenital chylothorax is the most common cause of pleural effusion in neonates. It is characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the pleural space. The case of a patient with a clinical diagnosis of Down syndrome and congenital chylothorax is presented. The use of octreotide is detailed, which reduces the volume and duration of drainage more quickly than with conventional management alone. There is little experience with the use of octreotide therapy for this condition and the optimal duration of treatment for assessment of response is unknown.

Outcomes of Chylothorax Nonoperative Management After Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chylothorax after thoracic surgery is a severe complication with high morbidity and mortality rate of 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06 - 0.02). There is no agreement on whether nonoperative treatment or early reoperation should be the initial intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the conservative approach to treat chyle leakage after cardiothoracic surgeries. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed®, Embase, Cochrane Library Central, and LILACS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) databases; a manual search of references was also done. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent cardiothoracic surgery, patients who received any nonoperative treatment (e.g., total parenteral nutrition, low-fat diet, medium chain triglycerides), and studies that evaluated chylothorax resolution, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, infection, morbidity, and mortality. Central Message Nonoperative treatment for chylothorax after cardiothoracic procedures has significant hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and reoperation rates. Results: Twenty-two articles were selected. Pulmonary complications, infections, and arrhythmia were the most common complications after surgical procedures. The incidence of chylothorax in cardiothoracic surgery was 1.8% (95% CI 1.7 - 2%). The mean time of maintenance of the chest tube was 16.08 days (95% CI 12.54 - 19.63), and the length of hospital stay was 23.74 days (95% CI 16.08 - 31.42) in patients with chylothorax receiving nonoperative treatment. Among patients that received conservative treatment, the morbidity event was 0.40 (95% CI 0.23 - 0.59), and reoperation rate was 0.37 (95% CI 0.27 - 0.49). Mortality rate was 0.10 (95% CI 0.06 - 0.02). Conclusion: Nonoperative treatment for chylothorax after cardiothoracic procedures has significant hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and reoperation rates.

Aggressive Management of a Bilateral Chylothorax Complicating an Orthotopic Heart-Kidney Transplantation

ABSTRACT Chylothorax after an orthotopic heart transplant is a rare but potentially detrimental occurrence. This is the first reported case of bilateral chylothorax complicating a heart-kidney transplant patient. No universally accepted protocol exists for the management of chylothorax in general population, let alone the immunocompromised transplant patient. This case presents unique challenges to the management of postoperative chylothorax given heart-kidney transplant's effect on the patient's volume status and immunocompromised state. We make the argument for aggressive treatment of chylothorax in an immunocompromised heart-kidney transplant patient to limit complications in a patient population predisposed to infection.

The essential role of thoracic duct embolization in management of traumatic iatrogenic chylothorax / O papel fundamental da embolização do ducto torácico no manejo de quilotórax traumático iatrogênico

Abstract This study aims to describe a case series of patients who underwent thoracic duct embolization (TDE) to treat traumatic iatrogenic chylothorax (TIC). Three patients were included: Case #1, a 49-year-old woman with follicular lymphoma developed a TIC following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to resect a solid right paravertebral mass and was treated with TDE using microcoils and N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue. Case #2, a 68-year-old man with cardiac amyloidosis developed a TIC following heart transplantation and was treated with TDE using microcoils and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. Case#3: A 6-year-old patient with congenital heart disease developed a TIC following a Fontan procedure and was treated with TDE using NBCA glue. All lesions were identified during lymphangiography and TDE was successfully performed in all cases. TDE is a safe and valuable technique that provides minimally invasive treatment for TCI.

Resumo Este estudo objetiva descrever uma série de casos de pacientes submetidos a embolização do ducto torácico (EDT) para tratamento de quilotórax iatrogênico (QI). Três pacientes foram incluídos. Caso 1: um homem de 49 anos com linfoma folicular apresentou QI após ressecção de uma massa paravertebral por toracoscopia vídeo-assistida e foi submetido a EDT com micromolas e n-butil-cianoacrilato (NBCA). Caso 2: um homem de 68 anos com amiloidose cardíaca apresentou QI após ser submetido a transplante cardíaco e foi submetido a EDT com micromolas e copolímero de etileno e álcool vinílico. Caso 3: um paciente de 6 anos com malformação cardíaca congênita apresentou QI após cirurgia de Fontan e foi submetido a EDT com NBCA. Todas as lesões foram identificadas durante a linfangiografia, e a EDT foi realizada com sucesso. A EDT é uma técnica segura e valiosa, que pode oferecer um tratamento minimamente invasivo em casos de QI.

Quilotórax congénito en un recién nacido pretérmino extremo

Introducción: El quilotórax congénito es una rara afección respiratoria, sin embargo, es la causa más frecuente de derrame pleural en recién nacidos vivos. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de quilotórax congénito como causa infrecuente de distrés respiratorio en un recién nacido atendido en el Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico de Villa Clara. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino, que nació a las 26,2 semanas de edad gestacional, por parto eutócico, con tiempo de rotura de membranas de una hora, líquido amniótico meconial, otorgándose una puntuación de Apgar 7/8 (normal) y peso al nacer de 950 gramos; con diagnóstico de sepsis connatal fue necesario tratar con ventilación mecánica. A los seis días de vida presentó un deterioro clínico, con disminución del murmullo vesicular en el hemitórax derecho y en la radiografía de tórax se observó un pulmón derecho velado. El ultrasonido torácico confirmó el diagnóstico de derrame pleural derecho que fue puncionado y el estudio del líquido drenado mostró características propias del quilotórax. Se le indicó tratamiento conservador (con alimentación parenteral completa: traximín sin aporte lipídico) y luego con leche rica en ácidos grasos de cadenas corta y media (Enfaport® de la firma Nestlé). Se incorporó la leche materna a los 15 días del diagnóstico. Requirió ventilación mecánica prolongada. Con una evolución satisfactoria es egresado del centro hospitalario. Conclusiones: Se logró la resolución de esta enfermedad a través del tratamiento conservador, sin la presencia de recidiva.

Introduction: Congenital chylothorax is a rare respiratory disease; however, it is the most common cause of pleural effusion in live newborns. Objective: To present a case of congenital chylothorax as an uncommon cause of respiratory distress in a newborn treated at the Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital of Villa Clara. Case report: Male patient, who was born at 26.2 weeks of gestational age, by eutocic delivery, with membrane time rupture of an hour, meconium amniotic fluid, to whom was given an Apgar score of 7/8 (normal) and a birth weight of 950 grams; with diagnose of connatal sepsis was necessary to treat with mechanical ventilation. At six days of age presented a clinical deterioration, with decrease of the vesicular murmur in the right hemithorax and at chest X-ray was observed a veiled right lung. The chest ultrasound confirmed a right pleural effusion that was punctured and the study of the drained fluid showed characteristics of a chylothorax. Conservative treatment was indicated (with complete parenteral feeding: traximin without lipid intake) and subsequently with milk rich in short and medium chain fatty acids (Enfaport® from Nestlé Company). Breastmilk was incorporated 15 days after the diagnose. He required prolonged mechanical ventilation. With a satisfactory evolution, he was discharged from the hospital center. Conclusions: The resolution of this entity is achieved through conservative treatment, without the presence of recurrence.

Chylothorax and chylous ascites due to juvenile paracoccidioidomycosis: a case report

ABSTRACT Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic fungal infection caused by Paracoccidioides species. Chylothorax is a rare complication of PCM. A 16-year-old adolescent presented daily fever, lymphadenomegaly, sweating, weight loss, ventilatory-dependent pain, and dysphagia, which confirmed PCM. During treatment, the patient developed chylothorax and chylous ascites. Chronic inflammatory and fibrotic lymphadenopathy may obstruct lymphatic vessels, resulting in the extravasation of lymph into the abdomen or pleural cavities. Chylothorax is one of several complications of PCM and can lead to respiratory insufficiency, even in patients undergoing antifungal therapy.

A Case Report of Gorham-Stout Syndrome with Kyphoscoliosis / 罕见病研究

This article reported the treatment of Gorham Stout syndrome (GSS) with kyphoscoliosis. The patient was an 11-year-old male who was presented with kyphoscoliosis, first developed 4 years ago, accompanied by incomplete paralysis of both lower limbs. The syndrome worsened in the previous year. He had a history of chylothorax, ventilation dysfunction, and osteoporosis. The patient underwent skull traction in another hospital for 7 months, which was ineffective. Finally, he underwent posterior correction, internal fixation, and bone graft fusion (C4-T8) in our hospital. The postoperative clinical outcomes and the posterior correction were satisfactory, with significant improvement in incomplete paralysis of both lower limbs. This article aims to improve the understanding of GSS and provided reference for its diagnosis and treatment through a typical case report and review of previous literature.

Assessment of Rare Case on Patient with Filariasis-Associated Bilateral Pleural Effusion

@#Bilateral pleural effusion is fluid accumulation in both lungs of pleural spaces. The clinical manifestations of bilateral pleural effusion (chylothorax) caused by filariasis are so rare that they are often challenging to diagnose. This case study described a 21-year-old woman, domiciled in Sumatra, with complaints of shortness of breath and swollen legs. Radiological examination results found bilateral pleural effusion. Initially, it was suspected that the effusion was caused by tuberculosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and malignancy; however, treatments for these did not improve the patient’s condition. A Water Seal Drainage (WSD) was inserted and a chylous or chylothorax pleural effusion was obtained, and microfilaria was founded in the nocturnal blood examinations. Oxygen and nursing interventions were administered using lung expansion and postural drainage techniques, supported by education on effective coughing and deep breathing, along with the fulfillment of nutritional needs and dietary adjustments

Clinical treatment strategy and effect of chylothorax after video-assisted thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To review and analyze the treatment of chylothorax after video-assisted thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery and to discuss the best clinical treatment methods and effects. Methods    A total of 400 patients diagnosed with chylothorax at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2012 to January 2020 were continuously collected. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 37 patients were finally included. There were 20 males and 17 females with an average age of 55.55±10.49 years. Chylothorax was diagnosed primarily by triglyceride levels (above 110 mg/dL) or the Sudan triple stain test. Treatment included surgical and non-surgical treatment. The overall incidence, high risk factors and treatment methods of chylothorax after radical thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer were analyzed. According to the treatment methods, the patients were divided into a surgical treatment group and a non-surgical treatment group. The average daily drainage volume and average hospital stay of the patients between the two groups were analyzed. Results    Included patients accounted for 0.3% (37/12 515) of lung cancer thoracoscopic surgery in our hospital during the same period. The incidence of postoperative chylothorax in patients with right lung surgery (0.2%, 29/12 515) was higher than that of patients with left lung surgery (0.1%, 8/12 515). Of 37 patients with chylothorax after lung cancer surgery, 32 patients were in the non-surgical treatment group (86.5%, 32/37), and the rate was higher compared with the surgical treatment group (13.5%, 5/37, P=0.000). The average daily drainage in the surgical treatment group was 777 mL more than that in the non-surgical treatment group (95%CI 588.58 to 965.55, P<0.001). The total drainage volume of the surgical treatment group was more than that of the non-surgical treatment group (8 609.2卤4 680.3 mL vs. 4 911.2卤3 925.5 mL, P=0.055). The postoperative hospital stay and total hospital stay in the surgical treatment group were shorter than those in the non-surgical treatment group (P=0.162, P=0.118). The tube indwelling time (8.2卤2.7 d) was shorter than that of the non-surgical treatment group (12.3卤6.8 d, P=0.204). Conclusion 聽 聽The treatment of chylothorax after radical resection of VATS lung cancer is still mainly non-surgical treatment. Surgical treatment should be initiated as early as possible when the drainage volume is too large 72 hours after chylothorax surgery after radical resection of VATS lung cancer.

Retrograde thoracic duct approach via left venous angle in the treatment of chylothorax / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and effect of retrograde thoracic duct approach via left venous angle in the treatment of chylothorax.Methods:From July 2019 to April 2021, the clinical data of 16 patients with chylothorax in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital Tongji University were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent percutaneous inguinal lymphography, super selective retrograde thoracic duct catheterization was attempted via the left venous angle. Successful patients underwent direct thoracic ductography. After the position of the rupture was shown, the thoracic duct was embolized with microcoils and glue.Results:The inguinal lymphography of 16 patients was successful, and the end of thoracic ducts was identified. Retrograde thoracic duct catheterizations were successful in 10 patients, 6 cases showed contrast agent overflow in thoracic ductography, and the thoracic ducts were embolized using microcoils combined with glue. Chylothorax was improved in 16 patients, and 6 cases were completely cured. All patients had no serious complications.Conclusion:It is an effective and feasible method to treat chylothorax by retrograde thoracic ductography and embolization approach via left venous angle.

Differential diagnosis and treatment of chylothorax and pseudochylothorax after lung cancer surgery / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To explore the differential diagnosis and different treatment methods of chylothorax and pseudochylothorax after lung cancer surgery.Methods:Clinical data of 1 584 surgical patients with non-small cell lung cancer from January 2016 to December 2021 were analyzed, 21 cases of chylothorax and 8 cases of pseudochylothorax were identified and analyzed to compare the differences in pleural fluid chyle test, pleural effusion biochemical values, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol/triglyceride ratio, leukocyte count, bacterial culture and treatment.Results:The incidence of chylothorax after lung cancer surgery was 1.3%, and the incidence of pseudochylothorax was 0.5%; 80.9%% of chylothorax on the right side was significantly higher than 19.1% of chylothorax on the left side, and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). Pseudochylothorax occurred on the right side(100%). The difference between chylothorax and pseudochylothorax in pleural fluid tests for cholesterol and triglyceride was statistically significant( P<0.05), the leukocyte count was significantly higher in pseudochylothorax than chylothorax, and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). The differences in drainage before treatment, postoperative drainage time and postoperative hospitalization time between the two groups were statistically significant( P<0.05). The success rate was 61.9% in 13 cases of chylothorax treated conservatively and 38.1% in 8 cases of thoracic duct clamping; all cases of pseudochylothorax were treated conservatively with a success rate of 100%. Conclusion:In naddition to pleural fluid chyle test and pleural effusion biochemical values, total cholesterol, triglyceride and total cholesterol to triglyceride ratio in pleural fluid should be tested to identify chylothorax and pseudochylothorax, high triglyceride in pleural fluid diagnosed as chylothorax; Pseudochylothorax is diagnosed with a cholesterol/triglyceride ratio >1 in the pleural fluid, pseudochylothorax is usually treated conservatively. Chylothorax is treated conservatively and surgically according to different conditions. If the drainage flow is greater than 800 ml/day for 3 consecutive days or if it causes serious electrolyte disorders, it is recommended to perform thoracoscopic-assisted thoracic duct clamping via right-sided approach.

Risk factors for postoperative chylothorax after robot-assisted versus video-assisted thoracic surgery in radical lung cancer resection: A propensity score matching study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To compare the postoperative chylothorax outcomes of robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), analyze the risk factors for postoperative chylothorax after minimally invasive radical lung cancer resection and explore possible prevention and control measures. Methods    Between June 2012 and September 2020, 1 083 patients underwent minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection in our hospital, including 578 males and 505 females with an average age of 60.6±9.4 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to the operation methods: a RATS group (499 patients) and a VATS group (584 patients). After propensity score matching, 434 patients were included in each group (868 patients in total). Chylothorax and other perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for postoperative chylothorax. Results    Overall, 24 patients were diagnosed with chylothorax after surgery. Compared with the VATS group, the rate of chylothorax was higher (3.9% vs. 1.6%, P=0.038), the groups and numbers of dissected lymph nodes were more (both P<0.001), and the intraoperative blood loss was significantly less (P<0.001) in the RATS group. There was no statistical difference in the postoperative hospital stay (P=0.256) or chest tube drainage time (P=0.504) between the two groups. Univariate analysis showed that gender (P=0.021), operation approach (P=0.045), smoking (P=0.001) and the groups of dissected lymph nodes (P<0.001) were significantly associated with the development of chylothorax. Multivariate analysis showed that smoking [OR=4.344, 95%CI (1.149, 16.417), P=0.030] and the groups of dissected lymph nodes [OR=1.680, 95%CI (1.221, 2.311), P=0.001] were the independent risk factors for postoperative chylothorax. Conclusion    Compared with the VATS, the rate of chylothorax after RATS is higher with more dissected lymph nodes and less blood loss. The incidence of chylothorax after minimally invasive radical lung cancer resection is higher in the patients with increased dissected lymph node groups and smoking history.

Clinical analysis of chylothorax in 49 neonates after surgery for congenital disease / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To explore the cause and treatment of chylothorax after surgery for congenital heart disease(CHD) in newborns.Methods:A retrospective analysis was made to the clinical data of 49 newborns with chylothorax after surgery for CHD within the period from January 2009 to December 2019. These newborns were aged from from 1 day to 28 days with the weight from 2.0 kg to 4.1 kg. The complete transposition of great arteries was performed in 13 cases, coarctation of the aorta/ interruption of the aortic arch in 13 case, right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction/ Blalock-Taussing shunt in 9 cases, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in 8 cases, ventricular septal defect repair and atrial septal defect repair in 4 cases, ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in 1 case and persisten truncus arteriosus in 1 case. Chylothorax occurred in the right in 19 cases, left side in 20 cases, bilateral in 9 cases and the pericardium in 1 case. The diagnosis was made at the time from 1 day to 22 days after the surgery with an average of 8 days.Results:43 patients were cured(87.75%), 41 cases(83.67%) were cured with diet and support therapy, the course lasted from 4 days to 65 days with an average of 11 days; 1 cases, because of the poor effect of diet and support therapy, was given pleural injection of high-sugar combined with octreotide treatment; 1 case received thoracic duct ligation as the conservative therapy was ineffective; 6 cases of death due to heart failure/ severe pulmonary hypertension after operation, and parents gave up.Conclusion:Individualization conservative therapy is the first choice for chylothorax, while timely surgery can raise the survival rate and save the hospitalization time and the cost.

Dilemma in Diagnosing Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma with Atypical Clinical Presentation and Imaging Findings : Recurrent Chylothorax, Mediastinal Lymphadenopathies and Pulmonary Embolism

@#Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant tumor affecting the mesothelium. It commonly manifests as pleural thickening on contrast enhanced CT (CECT) thorax. We reported a case of a young lady who presented with respiratory symptoms and was initially treated as pneumonia. However, she had recurrent episodes of chylothorax with progressive internal jugular vein (IJV), brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava (SVC) thrombosis leading to pulmonary embolism, associated with extensive mediastinal and supracalvicular lymphadenopathies. There are no evidence of pleural thickening in the initial investigations. Our case highlighted that MPM must remain in the differential diagnosis for these presentations, albeit rare.

Tratamiento conservador del quilotórax posquirúrgico en paciente pediátrico / Conservative treatment of post-surgical chylothorax in pediatric patient

INTRODUCCIÓN. El quilotórax resulta de un daño al conducto torácico por ruptura, laceración, desgarro o compresión. Es una patología rara de derrame pleural en la edad pediátrica, pero frecuente como complicación posterior a cirugía cardiotorácica. La base del tratamiento conservador se ha fundamentado en: drenaje inicial, modificación de la dieta, uso de somatostatina o análogos sintéticos como octreotide, cirugía, prevención y manejo de complicaciones. Fue preciso describir la experiencia institucional clínica así como su abordaje. CASO CLÍNICO. Paciente masculino de 4 meses de edad, que ingresó a la Unidad Pediátrica Área de Emergencias del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, el 13 de septiembre de 2019 con antece-dente quirúrgico de atresia de esófago corregida en etapa neonatal. Acudió con dificultad respiratoria, radiografía de tórax que evidenció derrame pleural derecho, toracentesis diagnóstica con salida de líquido de aspecto turbio y lechoso; se colocó tubo de tórax derecho. Se prescribió ayuno inicial, nutrición parenteral durante 4 semanas hasta comprobar resolución del quilotórax. Fue dado de alta en condición estable tras 43 días de hospitalización. DISCUSIÓN. La evidencia científica registró que el tratamiento conservador del quilotórax se basó en: drenaje, reposo digestivo inicial, nutrición parenteral, modificación cualitativa de la dieta enteral y uso de octreotide; el mismo que fue aplicado al paciente de este caso clínico con evolución favorable. CONCLUSIÓN. El tratamiento conservador y multidisciplinario en el abordaje del qui-lotórax fue exitoso y no necesitó manejo quirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION. Chylothorax results from damage to the thoracic duct by rupture, la-ceration, tear or compression. It is a rare pathology of pleural effusion in pediatric age, but frequent as a complication after cardiothoracic surgery. The basis of conservative treatment has been based on: initial drainage, diet modification, use of somatostatin or synthetic analogues such as octreotide, surgery, prevention and management of complications. It was necessary to describe the clinical institutional experience as well as its approach. CLINICAL CASE. A 4-month-old male patient was admitted to the Emergency Area Pediatric Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital on september 13, 2019 with a surgical history of esophageal atresia corrected in the neonatal stage. He went with respiratory distress, chest X-ray that showed right pleural effusion, diagnostic thoracentesis with outflow of cloudy and milky fluid; a right chest tube was placed. Initial fasting was prescribed, parenteral nutrition for 4 weeks until resolution of the chylothorax was verified. He was discharged in stable condition after 43 days of hospitalization. DISCUSSION. The scientific evidence recorded that the conservative treatment of chylothorax was based on: drainage, initial digestive rest, parenteral nutrition, qualitative modification of enteral diet and use of octreotide; the same that was applied to the patient of this clinical case with favorable evolu-tion. CONCLUSION. Conservative and multidisciplinary treatment in the approach to chylothorax was successful.

Linfangiomatosis pulmonar difusa con compromiso pleural y pericárdico. Reporte de un caso pediátrico / Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis with pleural and pericardial involvement. Pediatric case report

La linfangiomatosis pulmonar difusa es una enfermedad rara caracterizada por una marcada proliferación y dilatación de los vasos linfáticos en los pulmones, la pleura y el mediastino. Se desconoce la prevalencia, y la etiología no se comprende completamente.Una niña de 22 meses ingresó por poliserositis, con derrame pericárdico y pleural. Requirió pericardiocentesis y avenamiento pleural, y presentó drenaje de quilo (1,5-4 litros/día) sin respuesta al tratamiento médico (ayuno, nutrición parenteral y octreotide). Se realizó biopsia pulmonar. La anatomía patológica mostró hallazgos compatibles con linfangiomatosis difusa pulmonar. Comenzó tratamiento con sirolimus y propanolol, que disminuyeron las pérdidas por el drenaje pleural a la semana. Presentó buena evolución; suspendió aporte de oxígeno y se retiró el drenaje pleural. Se externó al cuarto mes de internación. El diagnóstico temprano de la linfangiomatosis pulmonar difusa es difícil de lograr, pero permite aplicar terapéuticas que evitan la progresión de enfermedad y disminuir la morbimortalida

Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis is a rare disease characterized by marked proliferation and dilation of lymphatic vessels in the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum. The prevalence is unknown and the etiology is not fully understood.A 22-month-old girl was admitted for polyserositis, with pericardial and pleural effusion. She required pericardiocentesis and pleural drainage, presenting chyle drainage (1.5-4 liters/day) without response to medical treatment (fasting, parenteral nutrition and octreotide). A lung biopsy was performed. The pathological anatomy showed findings compatible with diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis. Treatment with sirolimus and propanolol began, decreasing losses due to pleural drainage one week after treatment. She progressed well, discontinued oxygen supply and pleural drainage was removed, leaving the patient after the fourth month of hospitalization.Early diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis is difficult to achieve, but it allows the application of therapies that prevent disease progression, reducing morbidity and mortality.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics of congenital chylothorax in preterm and term infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical characteristics of congenital chylothorax in preterm and term infants.Method:From January 2011 to December 2019, the clinical data of infants with congenital chylothorax admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The infants were assigned into preterm group (<37 weeks) and term group (≥37 weeks) according to their gestational age. The general information, clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment and prognosis of the two groups were compared.Result:A total of 34 infants with congenital chylothorax were included, including 11 premature infants and 23 term infants. No significant differences existed in gender, delivery mode, prenatal diagnosis of pleural effusion, congenital heart disease/chromosome abnormality, birth asphyxia, dyspnea, fetal edema, and location of effusion between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with term group, preterm group had significantly fewer leukocytes [3 245(1 007, 7 403)×10 6/L vs. 10 214(6 233,16 458)×10 6/L] and lower protein level [(28.1±7.6) g/L vs. (33.3±6.3) g/L] in the pleural fluid ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in the proportion of pleural lymphocytes between the two groups ( P>0.05). The proportion of mechanical ventilation (MV) in the preterm group was statistically higher than that the term group [100%(11/11) vs. 65.2%(15/23)], and the duration of MV was statistically longer than the term group [(16(10,25) d) vs. (1(0,11) d)] ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed between the two groups in the application of other treatment options (thoracentesis/drainage, fasting, octreotide and erythromycin pleural injection), time needed for the disappearance of effusion, duration of hospital stay and cure/improvement rate ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Preterm infants may have lower leukocyte count and protein level in the pleural effusion than the term infants. Both preterm and term infants have higher proportion of lymphocytes in the pleural effusion fluid. Although most preterm infants need ventilator support after delivery, most of them achieve complete remission after conservative treatment and the overall prognosis is as good as term infants.

Clinical feature and outcomes analysis in 25 cases of newborns with congenital chylothorax and chyloperitoneum / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and outcome of congenital chylothorax and chyloperitoneum ascites in infants.Methods:The clinical data of infants admitted to the Neonatal Department of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and diagnosed with congenital chylothorax and chyloperitoneum from January 2011 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.According to outcome, the infants were assigned into survival group and death group.The clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared.Results:The total cases were 25(the ratio of male to female is 3.2). The gestational age ranged from 30 to 39 weeks, and the birth weight was 1 620 to 4 770 g. There were twenty infants were diagnosed before delivery accounted for 80%.Five infants(20%)presented with fetal edema.There were twenty-one infants were diagnosed with congenital chylothorax(84.0%, 5 with chyloperitoneum). Fourteen cases of congenital chylothorax were bilateral(66.7%), seven infants were unilateral, six infants(85.7%)were right-sided chylothorax.There four infants(16.0%)were diagnosed with chyloperitoneum.There were fifteen cases in the survival group, including eleven cases of chylothorax(73.3%), three cases of chyloperitoneum(20.0%), and one case of chylothorax combined with chyloperitoneum(6.7%). There were ten cases in the death group, all of which were premature infants, including nine cases of chylothorax and seven cases of bilateral chylothorax(70.0%). The median gestational age(33w)and birth weight(2 486 g)of the death group was significantly lower than the survival group(38w and 3 342 g), and the median gestational age when prenatal diagnosis[(30±1)weeks]was significantly lower than the survival group[(34±1)weeks]. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant( P<0.05). The proportion of mechanical ventilation in the death group was significantly higher than the survival group( P<0.05). Conclusion:The gestational age, birth weight, and the time of intrauterine diagnosis affect the outcome of congenital chylothorax and chyloperitoneum.The mortality rate is higher in premature, lower gestational age at the time of intrauterine diagnosis and bilateral chylothorax.

Congenital chylothorax: a rare entity

Pleural effusions in a neonate are generally congenital in about one third of the cases and acquired in the remaining two thirds. Congenital isolated pleural effusion is rare. It has an incidence of approximately 1 in 12000 to 1 in 15000 pregnancies. Chylothorax is the most common cause of neonatal congenital pleural effusion. Incidence of congenital chylothorax is 1 in 8600 to 1 in 10000 deliveries with a male to female ratio of 2:1. It poses both a diagnostic as well as therapeutic challenge to the neonatologist. Authors hereby present a rare case of congenital chylothorax which was medically managed and discharged. The neonate responded well to octreotide and medium chain triglyceride (MCT)-diet and was discharged without any complications.