Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  1999 Jun;42(6):1339-1342.

Congenital Chylothorax Diagnosed by in Utero Thoracentesis

• Lee SH
• Lee EH
• Cha KS

Abstract

Congenital chylothorax is defined as an effusion of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity. In neonate, most unilateral effusion reflects chylous fluid that collect owing to an underlying abnormality in lymphatic duct formation or integrity. This diagnosis is established by aspiration of pleural fluid and either demonstrating chylomicrons after initiating feeds or finding greater than 90% lymphocytes in the fluid. Underlying causes of congenital chylothorax are chromosomal abnormalities, viral infections and intrathoracic structural malformations. The major cause of death in congenital chylothorax is pulmonary hypoplasia as a result of undrained large pleural effusion. The aspiration of fetal hydrothoraxes facilitates neonatal resuscitation if performed immediately before delivery. We experienced one case of congenital chylothorax diagnosed by in utero thoracentesis and so present it with brief review of literature.

Keyword

Chylothorax; Thoracentesis; Pleural effusion

MeSH Terms

Cause of Death
Chromosome Aberrations
Chylomicrons
Chylothorax*
Diagnosis
Humans
Hydrothorax
Infant, Newborn
Lymphocytes
Pleural Cavity
Pleural Effusion
Resuscitation
Chylomicrons