Tube thoracostomy: One-off cause of chylothorax

Abstract

Chylothorax secondary to thorax drainage is a rare entity, with only five previously reported cases. A patient that sustained injuries after an accident involving a power tool, originally seen at another service, presented with a metal fragment embedded in the 4th intercostal space of the right hemithorax and ipsilateral pneumothorax. The patient underwent thoracic drainage and was referred to our hospital. After one day, the drained fluid became milky and laboratory tests confirmed chylothorax. Videothoracoscopy disclosed compression of the thoracic duct topography by the drainage tube. Keywords: Chylothorax, Thoracic duct, Drainage, Pleural effusion, Thoracoscopy