Chylothorax: a complication of a left subclavian vein thrombosis

Abstract

The development of a chylothorax is a rare complication of a superior vena caval thrombosis. We describe a unique case of chylous pleural effusion occurring in a patient with an underlying lymphoma who had a Hickman-Broviac catheter and a left subclavian vein thrombosis. The effusion resolved after the initiation anticoagulant therapy. This potentially reversible cause of a pleural effusion needs to be considered in any patient with a central venous catheter who is undergoing treatment for an otherwise malignant disorder.