T-Cell Lymphoma Presenting With Bilateral Chylothorax

Abstract

Chylothorax is the accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity due to obstruction or injury arising in the thoracic duct or its large branches. In more than 50% of patients diagnosed with chylothorax, the etiology consists of malignant diseases; and among these, lymphomas are the most common cause, accounting for 60% of cases. We report a case of a 37-year male with T-cell lymphoma who presented with bilateral pleural effusion; pleural fluid analysis confirmed chylothorax. A solid lymph node was detected in the left zone 4 on neck ultrasonography. Tru-cut biopsy was done and reported as T-cell lymphoma. The cytology was consistent with Class V (Malignant) T-cell lymphoma infiltration. Bilateral chylothorax, a complication of T-cell lymphoma, is a rare presentation of this disease. Our patient was diagnosed rapidly with both chylothorax and lymphoma. We started the treatment immediately and saved his life. Key Words: Chyle, Chylothorax, Lymphoma.