Milky pleural effusion, a rare complication of left atrial myxoma

ABSTRACT

We report a rare case of bilateral chylothorax, associated with huge left mass in a 45-year-old woman who presented with preoperative dyspnea, fever and weight loss. Transe esophageal echocardiography [TEE], gross, and microscopic features of the mass were consistent with myxoma. Biochemical analysis of bilateral effusion revealed chylothorax in pre - and post - operative periods. We conclude that myxoma-induced mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension should be included in the differential diagnosis of bilateral pleural effusion and chylothorax. In addition, pulmonary pressure should be monitored before and during diagnosis, in therapy of any effusion derived from myxoma