Post‐traumatic pleural effusion: Don't forget the chylothorax!

Abstract

Abstract In this case we describe a 58‐year‐old male with bilateral pleural effusion after a blunt trauma to the back. A pleural puncture revealed a chylothorax. An additional computed tomography scan showed a vertebral fracture at level D8 with rupture of the nearby thoracic duct. Our patient could be treated with a conservative approach. This case highlights the importance of ruling out a chylothorax in any post‐traumatic pleural effusion. Despite the low prevalence, we consider it a don't‐miss diagnosis given the specific treatment requirements.

Keywords

• chylothorax
• pleural effusion
• thoracocentesis
• trauma
• triglycerides