Chylothorax and chylous ascites due to malignant lymphoma

Abstract

Chyle is a fluid rich in triglycerides and is characterized by the presence of chylomicrons. Chylous effusions are unusual complications of malignant neoplasms, usually lymphomas. The combination of chyloperitoneum and chylothorax is very rare. When abdominal lymphatics are obstructed, chylous ascites results and eventually leads to a chylothorax. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with a chyloperitoneum and a right-sided chylothorax due to an underlying malignant B-cell lymphoma. After thoracocentesis and replacement therapy with medium chain triglycerides, she was treated with a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone. This has resulted in a regression of the chylous effusions. A short review of the literature describes causes, diagnosis and therapy of chylous effusions.