Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation as treatment for refractory chylous ascites and chylothorax in a patient with cirrhosis

Abstract

The etiology of chylothorax is usually considered to consist of four major categories: tumors, trauma, idiopathic conditions, and miscellaneous conditions. It appears that chylothorax is a rare and underreported manifestation of cirrhosis resulting from transdiaphragmatic passage of chylous ascites. This condition can be debilitating as a result of respiratory compromise from a large volume of pleural fluid, as well as metabolic derangements, malnutrition, and immunologic impairment from loss of vital lymphatic constituents. Herein the authors present a case of a 46-year-old male patient with cirrhosis and complications of high-volume chylous ascites and chylothorax who was successfully treated with creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.