Chylothorax associated with non-endemic Kaposi’s sarcoma

Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare cause of pleural effusion, seen in approximately 2% of cases. In HIV-positive patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), the development of chylothorax presents as a diagnostic challenge with an aggressive course and poor, often lethal outcome. In this clinical scenario, the aetiology of chylothorax may include infections and malignancy, while pleural fluid examination and computed tomography of the mediastinum may fail to establish a cause. We present a case of KS-associated non-traumatic chylothorax resulting in death, and a review of available literature on this condition.

Keywords

• AIDS
• Kaposi's sarcome
• chylothorax