Chylopneumothorax with an unusual cause in an Indian patient

Abstract

Chylothorax is an unusual cause of pleural effusion that is formed when chyle enters the pleural space owing to disruption of lymphatic duct. Tuberculosis, especially multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, is an uncommon cause of chylothorax. Here, we present a case of pleural effusion, which on thoracocentesis showed milky white fluid. The pleural fluid had triglyceride content of 75 mg/dl, and lipoprotein electrophoresis showed chylomicrons, confirming the diagnosis of chylothorax. Bacteriological examination of sputum yielded acid‐fast bacilli which were resistant to rifampicin by Gene-Xpert. The patient was started on appropriate drug-resistant antituberculosis regimen. She improved clinically and had complete resolution of chylothorax.

Keywords

• chylothorax
• pleural effusion
• tuberculosis