Bovy V, De Keukeleire T, Van Schoote E, Vanslembrouck I, Bogaert A. Post-traumatic pleural effusion: Don't forget the chylothorax!
Respirol Case Rep 2024;
12:e01274. [PMID:
38188967 PMCID:
PMC10768313 DOI:
10.1002/rcr2.1274]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In this case we describe a 58-year-old male with bilateral pleural effusion after a blunt trauma to the back. A pleural puncture revealed a chylothorax. An additional computed tomography scan showed a vertebral fracture at level D8 with rupture of the nearby thoracic duct. Our patient could be treated with a conservative approach. This case highlights the importance of ruling out a chylothorax in any post-traumatic pleural effusion. Despite the low prevalence, we consider it a don't-miss diagnosis given the specific treatment requirements.
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