title: A Large Pleural Effusion following Abdominal Aortic Surgery.
abstract: Chylous ascites and coexistent chylothorax is a rare but important complication following retroperitoneal abdominal surgery. We report a 70-year-old male who developed gradual abdominal distension, chest tightness, and dyspnea five months after having an uncomplicated aortobifemoral bypass performed. Physical examination was consistent with a large right sided effusion and ascites which were confirmed by computed tomography. Thoracentesis yielded an opaque milky fluid with analysis consistent with a chylothorax with a paracentesis revealing fluid that was similar in both appearance and biochemistry. The patient failed initial conservative management so a chest tube was placed followed by chemical pleurodesis. We review the literature of the pathophysiology and treatment approach to such a pleural effusion.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.
authors.forename: Vinoo K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Ramsaran
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.
authors.forename: Vandana K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Seeram
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cury
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.
authors.forename: Adil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shujaat