title: Severe hypo-osmotic hyponatraemia due to chylous leak following radical neck dissection.
abstract: Chylous leak is a documented complication of radical neck dissection with well recognised morbidities, including wound breakdown, hypovolaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. Other less well-documented electrolyte imbalances can also ensue. We aim to raise awareness about hypo-osmotic hyponatraemia as a potentially fatal, commonly overlooked complication of high-output chylous leaks. Following identification of his hyponatraemia, this patient underwent successful management in the intensive therapy unit, followed by surgical repair of his chylous leak. Hypo-osmotic hyponatraemia as a complication of chylous leak is not well documented, is likely to be overlooked when present, and is potentially life-threatening. It should be sought after in any patient with a high-output chylous leak following neck dissection.
authors: Department of ENT, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Luton, UK.
authors: Zenon
authors: Z
authors: Andreou
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Trinidade
authors: Muhammad
authors: M
authors: Shakeel
authors: Konstantin
authors: K
authors: Argiris
authors: Jaan
authors: J
authors: Panesar
authors: Prasad
authors: P
authors: Kothari
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002913:Chyle; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012964:Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium