Work

Traumatic contralateral chylothorax in a patient with penetrating neck injury: a case report

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Chylothorax is defined as a collection of chyle within the pleural cavity secondary to injury of the thoracic duct. We describe a rare case of a contralateral chylothorax resulting from a penetrating wound to the left lower anterior neck region. A 37-year-old male presented to the emergency room with a penetrating stab wound of the left neck. Upon clinical exam, the wound measured about 3-4 cm with minimal bleeding and no expanding hematoma or other hard sign of vascular injury. Subsequently, his right chest tube output developed a milky appearance with a total volume of 260 cc over 24 h. The specimen was sent for triglyceride analysis and confirmed diagnosis of chylothorax. He was managed with conservative therapy not requiring surgical intervention. The anatomical variations arising in the thoracic duct warrant the consideration of possible chylothorax in both right and left pleural effusions secondary to penetrating trauma.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjab031

Authors: Olumide Olotu, Nneka Uchendu, John Holtrop, Isabella Graham, Joseph Buck

Institutions: St. George's University, Wayne State University, St. John Hospital & Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Lymphatic Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700