Chylothorax

Background

  • Lymphatic fluid in pleural space
  • Due to disruption or obstruction of the thoracic duct
  • Differentiate from empyema

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

  • Thoracentesis with fluid:
    • Triglycerides
    • Cholesterol
    • LDH
    • Protein
    • Culture and gram stain
    • Cell differential and count
  • Serum LDH and total protein comparison

Management

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References