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Pediatric chylothorax—lymphatic imaging enables targeted surgical treatment

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Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Chylothorax—the collection of lymphatic fluid in the pleural space—is a rare finding in otherwise healthy adolescents. Initially, clinical signs and symptoms are often non-specific and a wide range of underlying causes necessitates extensive diagnostic workup. Treatment options include dietary measures, medical treatment, and various surgical procedures. We report about a 12-year-old boy with accidental diagnosis of chylothorax. Lymphatic imaging led to visualization of a leakage of an accessory left-sided thoracic duct and thoracoscopic clipping was successfully performed. Lymphatic imaging procedures depict underlying causes of chylothorax allowing targeted therapeutic management.

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Correspondence to Simon Kargl.

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Kargl, S., Maier-Hiebl, B. Pediatric chylothorax—lymphatic imaging enables targeted surgical treatment. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 35, 233–236 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-018-00779-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-018-00779-7

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