Updates on the pathophysiology and therapies of chylous pleural effusion: A narrative review

Elmukhtar Habas, Kalifa Farfar, Almehdi Errayes, Gamal Alfitori, Hafedh Ghazouani, Ala Habas, Amnna Rayni, Aisha Aladab

Keywords: Chylous pleural effusion, Epidemiology of chylous effusion, Pathophysiology pf chylous pleural effusion, Managementof chylous pleural effusion

DOI: 10.32677/yjm.v2i3.4330

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.32677/yjm.v2i3.4330

Publish Date: 19-12-2023

Pages: 145 - 150

Views: 3

Downloads: 3

Author Affiliation:

¹Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital,

³Senior Patient Quality Officer, Department of Quality, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha-Qatar,

²Consultant, Department of Medicine, Alwakra Hospital, Alwakra,

⁶Senior Consultant Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Chest, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar, ⁴Resident, Department of Medicine, Tripoli Central Hospital,

⁵Senior Consultant, Department of Pediatric, Tripoli Children Hospital, Tripoli-Libya, Libya

Abstract

Chylous pleural effusion (CPE) is a milky pleural fluid that contains high levels of proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, or chylomicrons. The main cause of CPE is disruption of the thoracic duct caused by traumatic or non-traumatic causes. High triglyceride, cholesterol, and/or chylomicron levels confirm the diagnosis. Recognizing the chyle leak site and underlying etiology is critical to the management of this clinical condition. There is no specific consensus on chylothorax treatment. However, a multidisciplinary (medical, surgical, and oncological) team approach is recommended.