TB Research

Chylopneumothorax with an unusual cause in an Indian patient

Krishan B. Gupta, Vipul Kumar, Nitika Garg, Adarsha Shetty, Jyoti Yadav

Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis · 2021-10

Abstract

Chylothorax is an unusual cause of pleural effusion that is formed when chyle enters the pleural space owing to disruption of lymphatic duct. Tuberculosis, especially multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, is an uncommon cause of chylothorax. Here, we present a case of pleural effusion, which on thoracocentesis showed milky white fluid. The pleural fluid had triglyceride content of 75 mg/dl, and lipoprotein electrophoresis showed chylomicrons, confirming the diagnosis of chylothorax. Bacteriological examination of sputum yielded acid‐fast bacilli which were resistant to rifampicin by Gene-Xpert. The patient was started on appropriate drug-resistant antituberculosis regimen. She improved clinically and had complete resolution of chylothorax.

MeSH terms

  • Chylothorax
  • Medicine
  • Chyle
  • Thoracic duct
  • Pleural effusion
  • Tuberculosis
  • Chylomicron
  • Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Rifampicin
  • Sputum
  • Internal medicine
  • Lymphatic system