title: [Persistent chylothorax after fracture of the 12th thoracic vertebrae].
abstract: We report on a patient who suffered chylothorax 2 months after she had undergone internal fixation of a fracture of her 12th thoracic vertebral body. The pleural effusion was treated by insertion of a chest tube. The chylothorax was managed conservatively. The patient received protein-rich nutrition supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides. As the volume of chylous fluid drained from the pleura had not decreased after 2 weeks, the patient received total parenteral nutrition without any oral intake of calories. Chest X-rays documented the disappearance of the chylothorax. Reexpansion of the lungs was noted, and the costophrenic sinuses could be clearly visualised.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Allgemein- und Thoraxchirurgie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Flechsenhar
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Reinhold
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buhr
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vollerthun
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Henneking
mesh_terms: D015505:Chest Tubes; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous