title: Idiopathic chylothorax: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and thoracic duct imaging.
abstract: Idiopathic chylothorax is a debilitating disease that can lead to respiratory and metabolic compromise and fibrosing pleuritis. Previous investigation has provided theories for the etiology of this poorly understood disease. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology and diagnosis of chylothorax. Thoracic duct imaging, including minimally invasive techniques, is also discussed, as it is frequently performed in the perioperative period. A companion article reviews nonsurgical and surgical techniques for treating and managing idiopathic chylothorax in dogs and cats.
authors.affiliation: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Ameet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brisson
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nykamp
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002415:Cats; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000662:veterinary*; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*