ISSN 1016-5169 | E-ISSN 1308-4488
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Development of chylothorax and chylous ascites in a patient with congestive heart failure [Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars]
Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2011; 39(6): 495-498 | DOI: 10.5543/tkda.2011.01447

Development of chylothorax and chylous ascites in a patient with congestive heart failure

Hüseyin Altuğ Çakmak1, Gülşah Yenidünya2, Bilgehan Karadağ1, Zeki Öngen1
1Department of Cardiology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
2Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey

Chylothorax and chylous ascites are very rare clinical entities generally caused by obstruction and disruption of the thoracic duct. A 60-year-old man presented with exertional dyspnea, fatigue, and chest discomfort of 18-month history. Physical examination revealed S4, bilateral pretibial edema, and moderate amount of ascites. Computed tomography and X-ray of the thorax showed left-sided pleural effusion. Abdominal imaging showed normal liver and spleen structure with intraperitoneal effusion and periportal edema. Thoracentesis and paracentesis yielded a milky, lipemic fluid of exudative nature. Biochemical analysis of the fluids showed a high triglyceride content and elevated lymphocyte count, typical of chylous fluid. All laboratory analyses for possible etiologies including neoplasms, tuberculosis, and cirrhosis were negative. Positron-emission tomography did not show any pathological uptake. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination showed bilateral atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, anteroseptal hypokinesia and akinesia, and moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, with an ejection fraction of 25%. Coronary arteries were normal on angiography. The patient was diagnosed with severe congestive heart failure accompanied by chylothorax and chylous ascites. Despite appropriate treatment, there was little change in congestion and no change in symptoms. He died during ultrafiltration therapy due to hemodynamic collapse and asystole.

Keywords: Chylothorax/etiology, chylous ascites/etiology, heart failure/complications

How to cite this article
Hüseyin Altuğ Çakmak, Gülşah Yenidünya, Bilgehan Karadağ, Zeki Öngen. Development of chylothorax and chylous ascites in a patient with congestive heart failure. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2011; 39(6): 495-498

Corresponding Author: Hüseyin Altuğ Çakmak, Türkiye
Manuscript Language: English


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