complication
Chylothorax
A chylothorax is an abnormal accumulation of chyle, a type of lipid-rich lymph, in the pleural space surrounding the lung. The of the digestive system normally return lipids absorbed from the small bowel via the thoracic 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 accumulate 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, , lymph abnormalities
How it's found
- ·X-ray, CT scan, thoracic MRI, fluid sampling
Treatment
- ·Removing fat from the diet, decreasing lymph flow, chest tube,
Complications
- ·, , abnormal electrolyte levels, weakened system
Outlook
- ·~10% risk of death
More in Lungs
AsthmaCOPDPneumoniaTuberculosisLung cancerPulmonary fibrosisSleep apneaCystic fibrosisBronchitisInfluenzaPulmonary embolismSilicosis
See all of Lungs →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.