A detailed pathway and termination of thoracic duct in a Japanese female cadaver with situs inversus totalis

Although the thoracic duct (TD) requires special attention during thoracic surgery, to our knowledge, its detailed course in the situs inversus totalis (SIT) case has not been reported. We encountered an 86-year-old Japanese female cadaver with SIT during a student anatomical practice and examine the TD. The TD originated from the cisterna chyli at the level of the 2nd lumbar vertebra, ascended along with the left side of aorta and then passed behind the aortic arch on the right side of the esophagus. The TD turned right at the first thoracic vertebra and finally emptied into the basal portion of the right external jugular vein without branching. The present running pathway of the TD was approximately in the inverted position of the normal, but its connection site to the vein and manner was very rare and has not been reported to date. Therefore, this junctional anomaly may occur during the developmental period in SIT. Further anatomical and embryological studies are required, but this report provides useful morphogenetic information of the TD and lymphovenous junction in SIT.

Anatomical variations in distal portion of the thoracic duct-A systematic review

The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the anatomical variations in the termination of the thoracic duct (TD) in cadavers or patients by anatomical dissections and surgical or radiological procedures for better knowledge of the interindividual variations through a systematic review. The search strategy included PubMed and reference tracking. Studies were identified by searching the electronic Medline databases. The search terms included "TD," "Jugular Vein," "Subclavian Vein," or "Cervical," and the protocol used is reported herein. These search results yielded 20 qualitative review articles out of the 275 articles consulted. We collected all the important data from these 20 articles with 1,352 TD analyzed by varying sources in our search. Regarding the characteristics of the studies and the anatomy of the TD, the results were heterogeneous. The TD most commonly terminates in the internal jugular vein in 54.05% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI]: 54.03; 54.07), in the jugular-venous angle in 25.79% (95% CI: 25.77; 25.81), and in the subclavian vein in 8.16% of cases (95% CI: 8.14;8.18). Other terminations were found in 12% of cases. This systematic review provided an overview of the variations in the distal portion of the TD. This study can be helpful for surgeons in selecting the most appropriate methods to achieve successful surgical results and avoid complications, such as chylothorax; it also offers detailed information on the cervical termination of the TD in new diagnostic and therapeutic methods involving the TD. Clin. Anat. 32:99-107, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical approach and review of causes of a chylothorax

A chylothorax, also known as chylous pleural effusion, is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion with a wide differential diagnosis characterized by the accumulation of bacteriostatic chyle in the pleural space. The pleural fluid will have either or both triglycerides >110 mg/dL and the presence of chylomicrons. It may be encountered following a surgical intervention, usually in the chest, or underlying disease process. Management of a chylothorax requires a multidisciplinary approach employing medical therapy and possibly surgical intervention for post-operative patients and patients who have failed medical therapy. In this review, we aim to discuss the anatomy, fluid characteristics, etiology, and approach to the diagnosis of a chylothorax.

Therapeutic delivery to the peritoneal lymphatics: Current understanding, potential treatment benefits and future prospects

The interest in approaches to deliver therapeutics to the lymphatic system has increased in recent years as the lymphatics have been discovered to play an important role in a range of disease states such as cancer metastases, inflammatory and metabolic disease, and acute and critical illness. Therapeutic delivery to lymph has the potential to enhance treatment of these conditions. Currently much of the existing data explores therapeutic delivery to the lymphatic vessels and nodes that drain peripheral tissues and the intestine. Relatively little focus has been given to understanding the anatomy, function and therapeutic delivery to the peritoneal lymphatics. Gaining a better understanding of peritoneal lymphatic structure and function would contribute to the understanding of disease processes involving these lymphatics and facilitate the development of delivery systems to target therapeutics to the peritoneal lymphatics. This review explores the basic anatomy and ultrastructure of the peritoneal lymphatics system, the lymphatic drainage pathways from the peritoneum, and therapeutic and delivery system characteristics (size, lipophilicity and surface properties) that favour lymph uptake and retention after intraperitoneal delivery. Finally, techniques that can be used to quantify uptake into peritoneal lymph are outlined, providing a platform for future studies.

The Visibility of the Terminal Thoracic Duct Into the Venous System Using MR Thoracic Ductography with Balanced Turbo Field Echo Sequence

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Magnetic resonance thoracic ductography (MRTD) with balanced turbo field echo (bTFE) can visualize both the thoracic duct and its surrounding vessels. This study aimed to investigate the visibility of the terminal thoracic duct into the venous system in the subclavian region using MRTD with bTFE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MRTD was performed with bTFE as a preoperative workup comprising respiratory gating on a 1.5-T magnetic resonance system for patients with esophageal cancer. The portion and the number of terminal thoracic ducts into the venous system and preterminal branching in the left subclavian region were assessed using MRTD in 132 patients. The confidence level of the visibility using MRTD was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The most frequent terminal portion of the thoracic duct was the jugulovenous angle (92 patients, 69.7%), followed by the subclavian vein (27 patients, 20.5%) and the internal jugular vein (8 patients, 6.1%). Four patients also exhibited double entry of the thoracic duct into the venous system. The preterminal branching was single in 96 patients (72.7%) and multiple in 36 patients (27.3%). The confidence level of the visibility of the thoracic duct using MRTD was absolutely certain in 112 patients (84.8%) and was somewhat certain in 20 patients (15.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

MRTD with bTFE is a robust imaging modality to visualize the terminal portion of the thoracic duct into the venous system in the subclavian region.

Chylous fistula: management of a rare complication following right anterior cervical spine approach

PURPOSE

Chylorrhea resulting from injury of the lymphatic system during neck dissection is a well-known complication. It is an uncommon occurrence in spinal surgery, and only one case after right anterior cervical spine surgery has been described so far. Despite its rarity, chylous leakage deserves a particular attention since it may become a serious and occasionally fatal complication if not detected early and managed appropriately.

METHODS

We report the case of a 42-year-old man who underwent a standard anterior cervical discectomy and fusion according to Cloward approach for a C6-C7 disk herniation. The patient developed a delayed prevertebral chyle collection on postoperative day 5, presenting with mild breathing and swallowing difficulties.

RESULTS

He was managed with conservative care, including bed rest, low-fat diet and drainage pouch positioning, which led to the complete resolution of the fluid collection.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the lymphatic system and of its variations is essential when planning an anterior spinal procedure, and represents the first measure to be adopted in order to avoid such complication. The prompt identification of a postoperative chylous fistula and the applicability of an individually based management's protocol may help in the majority of the cases to reduce the potential morbidity, without significant long-term effects.

T-bet+ memory B cells: Generation, function, and fate

B cells expressing the transcription factor T-bet have emerged as participants in a number of protective and pathogenic immune responses. T-bet+ B cells characteristically differentiate in response to combined Toll-like receptor and cytokine signaling, contribute to protective immunity against intracellular pathogens via IgG2a/c production and antibody-independent mechanisms, and are prone to produce autoantibodies. Despite recent advances, a number of questions remain regarding the basic biology of T-bet+ B cells and their functional niche within the immune system. Herein, we review the discovery and defining characteristics of the T-bet+ B cell subset in both mice and humans. We further discuss their origins, the basis for their persistence, and their potential fate in vivo. Evidence indicates that T-bet+ B cells represent a distinct, germinal center-derived memory population that may serve as an important therapeutic target for the improvement of humoral immunity and prevention of autoimmunity.

Bilateral chylothorax following reoperative central neck dissection for metastatic papillary thyroid cancer

Locoregional recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) can occur in up to 30% of patients within 10 years after initial treatment. Reoperative surgery can be challenging due to scarring, fibrosis and distorted anatomy and may be associated with increased complications compared with initial operations. Chylothorax is an extremely rare and potentially life-threatening complication that can be associated with neck dissections and thyroid surgery. In this report, we describe an unusual case of bilateral chylothorax following a left central neck dissection for recurrent PTC.

Lymphangiography and thoracic duct embolization following unsuccessful thoracic duct ligation: Imaging findings and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the imaging findings and outcomes of thoracic duct (TD) embolization (TDE) performed in patients with chylous leaks persisting after TD ligation (TDL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this review of 50 patients (30 males and 20 females; median age, 54 years) referred for TDE following unsuccessful surgical TDL, records were reviewed for lymphangiographic findings, technical success of TDE, and outcome of TDE. Comparisons between groups were performed using the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

The causes of chylothorax were traumatic in 39 patients (78%) and nontraumatic in 11 (22%). Lymphangiography identified missed TDL in 30 patients (60%) and complete TDL in 15 patients (30%); however, in 12 of these 15 patients, collaterals around the ligation site supplying the leak could be identified. Incomplete ligation was observed in 4 patients (8%). In 1 patient (2%), a second TD was identified circumventing a complete ligation of the main TD. TDE was performed in 49 patients, and TD disruption was performed in 1 patient. Resolution of the chylous leak occurred in 45 patients (90%). There were 3 minor complications that resulted in no clinical sequela.

CONCLUSIONS

TDE produced cessation of chylous leak in the majority of the patients with persistent chylothorax after surgical TDL. Missed ligation is the most common finding on lymphangiography in patients with failed TDL. These findings support the use of image-guided closure of TD leaks.

The anatomy and physiology of the terminal thoracic duct and ostial valve in health and disease: potential implications for intervention

The thoracic duct (TD) transports lymph drained from the body to the venous system in the neck via the lymphovenous junction. There has been increased interest in the TD lymph (including gut lymph) because of its putative role in the promotion of systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction during acute and critical illness. Minimally invasive TD cannulation has recently been described as a potential method to access TD lymph for investigation. However, marked anatomical variability exists in the terminal segment and the physiology regarding the ostial valve and terminal TD is poorly understood. A systematic review was conducted using three databases from 1909 until May 2017. Human and animal studies were included and data from surgical, radiological and cadaveric studies were retrieved. Sixty-three articles from the last 108 years were included in the analysis. The terminal TD exists as a single duct in its terminal course in 72% of cases and 13% have multiple terminations: double (8.5%), triple (1.8%) and quadruple (2.2%). The ostial valve functions to regulate flow in relation to the respiratory cycle. The patency of this valve found at the lymphovenous junction opening, is determined by venous wall tension. During inspiration, central venous pressure (CVP) falls and the valve cusps collapse to allow antegrade flow of lymph into the vein. During early expiration when CVP and venous wall tension rises, the ostial valve leaflets cover the opening of the lymphovenous junction preventing antegrade lymph flow. During chronic disease states associated with an elevated mean CVP (e.g. in heart failure or cirrhosis), there is a limitation of flow across the lymphovenous junction. Although lymph production is increased in both heart failure and cirrhosis, TD lymph outflow across the lymphovenous junction is unable to compensate for this increase. In conclusion the terminal TD shows marked anatomical variability and TD lymph flow is controlled at the ostial valve, which responds to changes in CVP. This information is relevant to techniques for cannulating the TD, with the aid of minimally invasive methods and high resolution ultrasonography, to enable longitudinal physiology and lymph composition studies in awake patients with both acute and chronic disease.

Magnetic resonance thoracic ductography assessment of serial changes in the thoracic duct after the intake of a fatty meal

The thoracic duct, a terminal lymph vessel, is thought to dilate after the intake of a fatty meal. However, this physiological change has not been well explored in vivo. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess serial changes in the thoracic duct after the intake of a fatty meal using magnetic resonance thoracic ductography (MRTD). Eight healthy volunteers were subjected to one MRTD scan before a fatty meal and eight serial MRTD scans every hour thereafter. The cross-sectional areas of the thoracic duct were estimated using MRTD measurements of the diameters of the thoracic duct at the upper edge of the aortic arch, the tracheal bifurcation, the mid-point between the tracheal bifurcation and the left part of the diaphragm and the left part of the diaphragm. The change-rates in these areas were calculated before and after the fatty meal intake, and the maximal change-rate and timing of its achievement were determined for each subject. The summed change-rates in the four portions of the thoracic duct ranged from -40.1 to 81.3%, with maximal change-rates for each subject ranging from 22.8 to 81.3% (mean, 50.4%). Although individual variations were observed, most subjects (88.9%) exhibited a maximal change-rate at 4-6 h after meal intake, with subsequent decreases at 7-8 h. In conclusion, MRTD revealed a tendency toward thoracic duct enlargement at 4-6 h after the intake of a fatty meal, followed by contraction.

Lymph Vessel Thrombus Detection in Cervical Lymphedema: A Case Series

Although thrombosis in the terminal part of thoracic duct has been described in patients with head and neck cancer and upper vein thrombosis, normally medical imaging is not successful in depicting such lymphatic thrombosis. This case series is about three patients with acute onset of cervical lymphedema following minor trauma or exceptional physical strain. Using high-resolution ultrasound, it was possible to detect a thrombus formation in the terminal parts of the thoracic duct or the lymph duct. Within a few weeks all patients recovered without relapse for several years.

Chyluria and chylothorax after posterior selective fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

To describe and discuss the diagnostic and treatment complexity of lymphatic system complications after scoliosis surgery.

METHODS

Surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is very commonly performed with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation. Complications of the anteriorly based lymphatic system are, therefore, rare. We present a case with complications related to the lymphatic system, which have not been reported before after this type of surgery.

RESULTS

After standard Th3 to Th12 posterior spinal reduction and fusion of a moderate thoracic curve, chyluria and a chylothorax developed in an adolescent girl. This appeared to be caused by an obstruction of the thoracic duct. Thorax drainage and finally thoracoscopic intervention prevented further pulmonal impairment. The exact cause could not be identified and the persistent lymph drainage problems had to be treated with a medium chain triglyceride diet.

CONCLUSION

With this report, we aim to create awareness of the lymphatic system in general and the possibility of severe complications, even after a posterior only approach of the vertebral column.

Life threatening presentation of thoracic duct injury post thyroid surgery; a case report

•

Injury to thoracic duct, and the formation of chyle leak, is a rare complication and carries significant metabolic and immunological consequences.

•

Thoracic duct injury during thyroid surgery is an uncommon event with an incidence rate of 0.5–1.8%.

•

High output chyle leak in a confined space was life threatening.

•

Surgeons must be familiar with thoracic duct anatomy.

Background

Injury to thoracic duct is a rare potential complication of time-honored conventional thyroidectomy. Nevertheless, it can be a cause of significant morbidity, and sometimes life-threatening.

Patient findings

A 78-year-old female patient with a previous surgical history of thyroid lobectomy for nodular disease presented with primary hyperparathyroidism, and a nodule in the remaining thyroid lobe. The patient underwent completion thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Less than 24 h post operatively, the patient developed progressive shortness of breath and neck swelling requiring immediate intubation and re-exploration. A large amount of chyle was drained and an injured thoracic duct was identified and ligated.

Summary

In experienced hands thyroid surgery is safe. Nevertheless, factors such as the type of pathology and its extent, the level of surgery, and re-operative surgery increase the risk of postoperative complications. Immediate surgical exploration is necessary when patients present with neck swelling and respiratory distress. In our case, a high output chyle leak in a confined space was life threatening.

Conclusion

Timely re-exploration following thyroid surgery and thorough knowledge of the anatomy of neck structures is crucial in sparing patients potential morbidity and/or mortality.

Management of Chyle Leak after Head and Neck Surgery: Review of Current Treatment Strategies

Chyle leak formation is an uncommon but serious sequela of head and neck surgery when the thoracic duct is inadvertently injured, particularly with the resection of malignancy low in the neck. The thoracic duct is the primary structure that returns lymph and chyle from the entire left and right lower half of the body. Chyle extravasation can result in delayed wound healing, dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte disturbances, and immunosuppression. Prompt identification and treatment of a chyle leak are essential for optimal surgical outcome. In this article we will review the current treatment options for iatrogenic cervical chyle leaks.

Chylothorax in thyroid surgery: a very rare case and systematic review of the literature

Background

Chylothorax is a very rare but major complication in thyroid surgery and should be apparent to clinicians in this field.

Case presentation

We report a case with chylothrax after thyroid surgery in our department that drew our attention.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature to evaluate the incidence and the contributing factors of chylothorax after thyroid surgery. Database (PubMed) and hand searches to identify patients with thyroid surgery and postoperative chylothorax. Keywords included chylothorax, thyroidectomy, thyroid surgery and complications. Two independent reviewers screened studies against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patient characteristics, risk factors, symptoms, treatments and etiopathogenesis were investigated.

Results

We identified 13 articles in the literature describing 19 patients with chylothorax after thyroidectomy and described our own case. Ninety percent of the patients underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. Sixteen patients (80 %) underwent thyroidectomy with at least a left lateral neck dissection, 2 patients (10 %) underwent thyroidectomy with sternotomy, and in the remaining 2 patients (10 %), thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection on both sides was performed with partial sternotomy. Our calculated incidence for chylothorax with total thyroidectomy and neck dissection was 1.85 %; for a thoracic approach the calculated incidence was 7.3 %.

Conclusions

There are no reports of chylothorax after thyroidectomy without at least a left lateral neck dissection due to advanced thyroid cancer and/or sternotomy due to the thyroid size. The extension of thyroid surgery seems to be the main risk factor in developing chylothorax either through direct surgical trauma or through increased intraductal pressure after thoracic duct ligation. An early diagnosis of chylothorax may avoid severe metabolic or cardiopulmonary complications.

Ultrasound-Guided Intranodal Lymphangiography With Ethiodized Oil to Treat Chylous Ascites

A 70-year-old man presented with abdominal distention and pain. A diagnosis of chylous ascites (CA) was made by abdominal paracentesis. Conservative treatment had failed to control CA; therefore, ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography (UIL) with Lipiodol was performed. No obvious Lipiodol leakage was observed in the follow-up computed tomography; however, the persistent abdominal pain was significantly reduced within a day, and CA was resolved within 3 days. We present successful treatment of CA using UIL with Lipiodol. The combination of the technique of UIL and therapeutic lymphangiography with Lipiodol is a promising minimally invasive treatment option for CA.

Chylous leakage from a remaining duplicated left-sided thoracic duct after esophagectomy successfully treated by ligation of the left-sided thoracic duct with left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with the patient in the prone position

A 69-year-old man who had undergone an esophagectomy was diagnosed with chylous leakage on postoperative day 2, and his pleural effusion output gradually increased daily. On postoperative day 6, intranodal lymphangiography using lipiodol demonstrated chylous leakage from branches of an incomplete duplicated left-sided thoracic duct; it also indicated successful ligation of the right-sided thoracic duct at initial operation. After lymphangiography, the chylous leakage did not heal and remained uncontrollable. Based on the preoperative lymphangiographic findings, we ligated the left-sided thoracic duct with left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with the patient in the prone position, on postoperative day 9. The patient experienced no other postoperative complications. The use of the prone position with pneumothorax treatment was helpful in providing a wide operative field in the posterior mediastinum, thus allowing for a better chance for a successful postoperative outcome.

Indications, techniques, and clinical outcomes of thoracic duct interventions in patients: a forgotten literature?

BACKGROUND

The evolution of the "gut-lymph concept" has promoted thoracic duct (TD) lymph drainage as a possible treatment to reduce systemic inflammation and end-organ dysfunction in acute illness. The aim was to review the published experience of thoracic duct interventions (TDIs) aimed at improving clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A search of three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMBASE CLASSIC) over the last 60 y. The indications for intervention, the technique, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were a wide range of indications for TDI. These included reducing rejection after transplantation, treating inflammatory diseases, and reducing chronic failure of the liver, kidney, and heart. The techniques included TD cannulation and lymphovenuous fistula. The outcomes were variable and often equivocal, and this appears to reflect poor design quality. There is clinical equipoise regarding a therapeutic role of (TD lymph drainage in acute pancreatitis, and probably other acute diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Until well-designed clinical trials are undertaken, the clinical benefits of TDIs will remain promising, but uncertain.

Anatomic and Functional Evaluation of Central Lymphatics With Noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography

Accurate assessment of the lymphatic system has been limited due to the lack of optimal diagnostic methods. Recently, we adopted noncontrast magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography to evaluate the central lymphatic channel. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and the clinical usefulness of noninvasive MR lymphangiography for determining lymphatic disease.Ten patients (age range 42-72 years) with suspected chylothorax (n = 7) or lymphangioma (n = 3) who underwent MR lymphangiography were included in this prospective study. The thoracic duct was evaluated using coronal and axial images of heavily T2-weighted sequences, and reconstructed maximum intensity projection. Two radiologists documented visualization of the thoracic duct from the level of the diaphragm to the thoracic duct outlet, and also an area of dispersion around the chyloma or direct continuity between the thoracic duct and mediastinal cystic mass.The entire thoracic duct was successfully delineated in all patients. Lymphangiographic findings played a critical role in identifying leakage sites in cases of postoperative chylothorax, and contributed to differential diagnosis and confirmation of continuity with the thoracic duct in cases of lymphangioma, and also in diagnosing Gorham disease, which is a rare disorder. In patients who underwent surgery, intraoperative findings were matched with lymphangiographic imaging findings.Nonenhanced MR lymphangiography is a safe and effective method for imaging the central lymphatic system, and can contribute to differential diagnosis and appropriate preoperative evaluation of pathologic lymphatic problems.

The thoracic duct: clinical importance, anatomic variation, imaging, and embolization

The thoracic duct is the body's largest lymphatic conduit, draining upwards of 75 % of lymphatic fluid and extending from the cisterna chyli to the left jugulovenous angle. While a typical course has been described, it is estimated that it is present in only 40-60% of patients, often complicating already challenging interventional procedures. The lengthy course predisposes the thoracic duct to injury from a variety of iatrogenic disruptions, as well as spontaneous benign and malignant lymphatic obstructions and idiopathic causes. Disruption of the thoracic duct frequently results in chylothoraces, which subsequently cause an immunocompromised state, contribute to nutritional depletion, and impair respiratory function. Although conservative dietary treatments exist, the majority of thoracic duct disruptions require embolization in the interventional suite. This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical importance of the thoracic duct, relevant anatomic variants, imaging, and embolization techniques for both diagnostic and interventional radiologists as well as for the general medical practitioner.

KEY POINTS

• Describe clinical importance, embryologic origin, and typical course of the thoracic duct. • Depict common/lesser-known thoracic duct anatomic variants and discuss their clinical significance. • Outline the common causes of thoracic duct injury and indications for embolization. • Review the thoracic duct embolization procedure including both pedal and intranodal approaches. • Present and illustrate the success rates and complications associated with the procedure.

Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Left Innominate Vein Obstruction Related Chylothorax after Congenital Heart Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Chylothorax complicates the postoperative course of patients after congenital heart surgery. Innominate vein thrombosis and stenosis have been associated with postoperative chylothorax. Revascularization and angioplasty can be accomplished using transcatheter techniques. We report our experience with this procedure for the management of postoperative chylothorax.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent catheter revascularization and/or angioplasty of the innominate vein following cardiac surgery at our institution from January 1, 2008 through April 9, 2014.

SETTING

The cardiovascular intensive care unit and cardiac catheterization laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham, Alabama were used as settings for the study.

PATIENTS

Out of 112 patients with postoperative chylothorax, 7 (6.3%) underwent transcatheter dilation of the innominate vein for occlusion/stenosis. The median age of the cohort was 1 month (15 days-6 years); median weight was 3 kg (2.7-22.2). Diagnosis was made a median 8 days (2-20) and persisted for a median of 24 days (9-44). Most patients failed medical management (low fat diet, nothing by mouth, and/or octreotide).

RESULTS

Cardiac catheterization occurred at a median 9 days (2-29) after chylothorax diagnosis. Median chest tube output on the day prior to procedure was 63 (12-149) cc/kg/day and decreased to 23 (0-64) cc/kg/day 2 days postprocedure (P = .01). Effusions resolved in a median of 5 days (1-16). There were no clinical complications postcatheterization. All patients who have undergone repeat angiography have maintained patency of the innominate vein. There was no mortality. Complications from chylothorax included prolong hospitalization, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia, coagulopathy, lymphopenia, and infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Innominate vein occlusion and stenosis associated with chylous effusion are amenable to transcatheter revascularization and/or angioplasty, consistently leading to improvement, if not full resolution of chylothorax.

Recent approaches of lipid-based delivery system for lymphatic targeting via oral route

Lymphatic system is a key target in research field due to its distinctive makeup and huge contributing functions within the body. Intestinal lymphatic drug transport (chylomicron pathway) is intensely described in research field till date because it is considered to be the best for improving oral drug delivery by avoiding first pass metabolism. The lymphatic imaging techniques and potential therapeutic candidates are engaged for evaluating disease states and overcoming these conditions. The novel drug delivery systems such as self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, nanoparticles, liposomes, nano-lipid carriers, solid lipid carriers are employed for delivering drugs through lymphatic system via various routes such as subcutaneous route, intraperitoneal route, pulmonary route, gastric sub-mucosal injection, intrapleural and intradermal. Among these colloidal particles, lipid-based delivery system is considered to be the best for lymphatic delivery. From the last few decades, mesenteric lymph duct cannulation and thoracic lymph duct cannulation are followed to assess lymphatic uptake of drugs. Due to their limitations, chylomicrons inhibitors and in-vitro models are employed, i.e. lipolysis model and permeability model. Currently, research on this topic still continues and drainage system used to deliver the drugs against lymphatic disease as well as targeting other organs by modulating the chylomicron pathway.