Surgeries (Apr 2024)

Pleural Effusion following Yoga: A Report of Delayed Spontaneous Chylothorax and a Brief Review of Unusual Cases in the Literature

  • Gabriel Hunduma,
  • Paolo Albino Ferrari,
  • Farouk Alreshaid,
  • Tayyeba Kiran,
  • Aiman Alzetani,
  • Alessandro Tamburrini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries5020026
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 2
pp. 288 – 296

Abstract

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Chylothorax is a rare condition where the extravasated chyle accumulates into the pleural space. It is most commonly associated with malignancies, infective or inflammatory disorders and iatrogenic causes. Extremely rarely, it could occur spontaneously. We present the case of a healthy 40-year-old woman who presented with acute right shoulder and neck pain associated with shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. This was preceded by a yoga class two weeks prior. Chest imaging showed right pleural effusion, and tapping revealed a milky fluid which was confirmed to be chylothorax. Conservative management failed and the patient was successfully treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic drainage, thoracic duct ligation and mechanical pleurodesis. Chylothorax association with yoga is not reported in the literature.

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