title: Massive chylothorax complicating cirrhosis of the liver.
abstract: Chylothorax is an unusual complication of cirrhosis of the liver. This condition is probably underdiagnosed because appropriate tests are not usually done. We describe the case of a 54-year-old man with cirrhosis of the liver and massive chylothorax. Despite chest tube drainage and intensive supportive therapy, there was a fatal outcome. Our case highlights the difficulties in the management of this complication and draws attention to the possible dangers of certain therapeutic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Mokshagundam
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Minocha
mesh_terms: D015505:Chest Tubes; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004322:Drainage; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011677:Punctures