Richter MJ, Baumgartner R, Leuchte HH. [Chylothorax in an 87-year-old patient].
Internist (Berl) 2012;
54:105-9. [PMID:
23111591 DOI:
10.1007/s00108-012-3158-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An 87-year-old woman presented with a left-sided pleural effusion. The milky aspirate fulfilled the criteria of a chylothorax. Thorax computed tomography (CT) showed characteristic multiple cysts and consequently the rare diagnosis of post-menopausal pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis was made. In the diagnostic work-up of pleural effusion the determination of triglycerides should be considered to confirm the diagnosis of chylothorax. In the presence of a chylothorax the differential diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis should be included even in advanced age.
Collapse