title: Bilateral traumatic chylothorax treated by thoracic duct embolization: a rare treatment for an uncommon problem.
abstract: Prolonged chylothorax is a rare, life-threatening, pleural effusion that may be encountered in the setting of trauma. Conservative treatment may be successful and is the traditional approach in cases of limited chyle output. Early surgical intervention is required in cases with large refractory chyle output, but may be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous thoracic duct embolization is an uncommon, minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment alternative. We report a case of successful thoracic duct embolization to treat large-volume chylothorax due to blunt trauma.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic - Gonda Vascular Center, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Friese.Jeremy@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Andrew K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kurklinsky
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McEachen
authors.forename: Jeremy L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Friese
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome