Open AccessResolution of refractory chylothorax with a combination of talc pleurodesis and CPAP
Author(s) -
Ng Boon Hau,
Nik Abeed Nik Nuratiqah,
Abdul Hamid Mohamed Faisal,
Soo Chun Ian,
Low Hsueh Jing,
Ban Andrea YuLin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.624
Subject(s) - medicine , refractory (planetary science) , talc , chylothorax , pleurodesis , radiology , surgery , pleural effusion , materials science , composite material
Chylothorax is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion. Recurrent chylous effusions are often resistant to conservative treatment and many need surgical intervention. We report a 69‐year‐old woman with refractory idiopathic chylothorax resistant to medium‐chain triglyceride diet and intermittent thoracentesis. Lymphangiography and lymphoscintigraphy failed to identify the site of leakage. We initiated continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) 12 h before and 48 hours after talc pleurodesis. Chest drain was removed at day 3 and she was discharged at day 5. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful resolution of idiopathic refractory chylothorax with CPAP ventilation used in tandem with talc pleurodesis.