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Review
. 2018 Jul;100(6):e147-e149.
doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2018.0074. Epub 2018 Apr 16.

Chyle leak following an axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer in a patient with superior vena caval thrombosis - a case report and review of the literature

Z Al-Ishaq  1 , S Gupta  2 , M A Collins  3 , T Sircar  1
Affiliations
Review

Chyle leak following an axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer in a patient with superior vena caval thrombosis - a case report and review of the literature

Z Al-Ishaq et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

Chyle leak is a very rare complication following an axillary lymph node dissection. We report a case of chyle leak following sentinel lymph node biopsy in a patient with breast cancer with superior vena caval thrombosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of chyle leakage following axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy. We describe the aetiology, prevention and treatment strategy that can be adopted in these patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Chyle; Sentinel lymph node biopsy; Superior vena cava thrombosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Computed tomography of the neck and thorax; the red arrow shows a thrombus in the superior vena cava and both brachiocephalic veins
Figure 2
Figure 2
Postoperative day 2; the milk-like fluid in the drain is clinically consistent with chyle
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy of the lymphatic system including the thoracic duct and its drainage into the venous system
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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