title: Lipid pleural effusions.
abstract: Traditionally, a lipid pleural effusion has been described as milky or turbid appearing. However, lipid effusions may have varied presentations making a diagnosis by appearance problematic. Distinguishing between a chylothorax and a cholesterol effusion, the 2 types of lipid effusions, is essential. A chylothorax develops after injury or obstruction of the thoracic duct, leading to a chyle leak into the pleural space that is characterized by an increased triglyceride concentration and the presence of chylomicrons. In contrast, a cholesterol effusion is a long-standing effusion associated with an elevated cholesterol concentration, usually greater than 250 mg/dL, a thick pleural rind, and represents a form of lung entrapment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
authors.forename: Vishal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sahn
mesh_terms: D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis*; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis*; D010994:Pleura / Q000503:physiopathology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D002784:Cholesterol