Traumatic chylothorax: a case report, treatment options and an update of the literature.

Background: Chylothorax is an uncommon condition defined by the escape of lymphatic fluid into the pleural space originating from the thoracic duct.

Case description: Our case involves a male patient in his 60s who developed traumatic chylothorax after being involved in a bicycle collision. The total body computed tomography (CT) showed multiple fractures of the ribs and spine, including a fracture of the anterior column of the Th12 vertebra. The patient was placed under observation in the intensive care unit and because of the instability of the Th12 fracture operative stabilization was performed with a percutaneous dorsal pedicle screw-rod spondylodesis. One day postoperatively, the patient suffered from acute respiratory distress; vital signs and hemoglobin levels remained stable. CT angiography was performed showing a large amount of fluid in the right pleural cavity. A chest tube was placed and a total of 3 L of fluid was evacuated. The next day a chylous production of 2 to 3 L per 24 hours was observed. Initiation of nutritional management for the patient involved a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet in conjunction with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration. Due to the ongoing chylous leakage, despite the MCT diet and TPN, the patient underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS); the thoracic duct was identified and clipped. In addition, a VATS chemical pleurodesis with talc was performed. The chylous drainage ceased and after a total of 8 weeks the MCT diet was stopped.

Conclusions: This case report encompasses relevant diagnostic evaluations and the array of medical treatments applicable to a chylothorax resulting from trauma.