D2I2.
complication

Chylothorax

A chylothorax is an abnormal accumulation of chyle, a type of lipid-rich , in the space surrounding the lung. The of the digestive system normally return lipids absorbed from the small bowel via the duct, which ascends behind the to drain into the left brachiocephalic vein. If normal thoracic duct drainage is disrupted, either due to obstruction or rupture, chyle can leak and within the negative-pressured pleural space. In people on a normal diet, this fluid collection can sometimes be identified by its turbid, milky white appearance, since chyle contains emulsified triglycerides.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·None, breathlessness

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Complication of , , cancer, , abnormalities

How it's found

  • ·X-ray, CT scan, MRI, fluid sampling

Treatment

  • ·Removing fat from the diet, decreasing flow, chest tube,

Complications

  • ·, , abnormal levels, weakened system

Outlook

  • ·~10% risk of death
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.