Chylothoraces after lung transplantation for lymphangioleiomyomatosis: review of the literature and utilization of a pleurovenous shunt.
Chylous effusions are a well-described complication of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) in both pre- and post-transplant patients. Chylous effusions can cause significant morbidity among patients and most treatment modalities have limitations to complete success. We describe the use of a pleurovenous shunt to treat a refractory chylous effusion in a patient after lung transplant for LAM. After shunt placement, the patient had complete resolution of the chylous effusion and subsequent discharge home after a prolonged hospitalization. The use of a pleurovenous shunt for refractory chylous effusions is a viable option after conventional therapy fails.
Fremont
Richard D
RD
Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2650, USA. richard.fremont@vanderbilt.edu
Milstone
Aaron P
AP
Light
Richard W
RW
Ninan
Mathew
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D018192:Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010994:Pleura / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013350:Subclavian Vein / Q000601:surgery*