title: Uncommon aetiologies of chylothorax: superior vena cava syndrome and thoracic aortic aneurysm.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chylothorax, an uncommon cause of pleural effusion, results from the accumulation of lymph in the pleural space due to damage or obstruction of the thoracic duct. The high content of triglycerides and the presence of chylomicrons in the pleural fluid sets the diagnosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present a case report of a chylothorax due to superior vena cava compression or a thoracic aortic aneurysm, discuss the particularities, the investigation of chylothorax as well as its treatment options.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the literature on chylothorax was performed using PubMed to assess the different aetiologies, investigation and treatments usually performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chylothorax is usually secondary to malignancy, trauma, congenital diseases and infections. However, less common causes are also described, as the ones described in our case report. The gold standard for diagnosis is the identification of chylomicrons in the pleural fluid. Conservative management is recommended in most cases of chylothorax.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors: Ana O
authors: AO
authors: Gomes
authors: Sofia
authors: S
authors: Ribeiro
authors: João
authors: J
authors: Neves
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Mendonça
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: chylothorax; superior vena cava syndrome; thoracic aortic aneurysm