Seat belt-induced chylothorax: a cause of idiopathic chylothorax?
Chylothoraces are associated with multiple etiologies including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and surgical trauma, representing 50% and 25% of all chylothoraces, respectively. Intrathoracic operations such as repair of coarctation of the aorta and esophagectomy are commonly associated with surgical trauma. Idiopathic chylothoraces may account for up to 15% of all chylothoraces. When a thorough evaluation finding is negative, further history to identify possible blunt, nonpenetrating trauma to the chest is warranted.
Agrawal
Vishal
V
Pulmonary and Critical Care, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. agrawav@musc.edu
Doelken
Peter
P
Sahn
Steven A
SA
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018700:Pleurodesis / Q000379:methods; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices