Chylothorax in a child with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Chylothorax is an uncommon presentation of venous thrombosis in nephrotic syndrome. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy with nephrotic syndrome who presented with prolonged respiratory difficulty and dry cough. A detailed evaluation revealed left chylothorax secondary to thrombosis of the left brachiocephalic vein. He improved with conservative management including anticoagulation therapy, intercostal chest tube drainage, and dietary modification. This case highlights the need to consider venous thrombosis as a cause of chylothorax in patients with nephrotic syndrome to institute appropriate treatment.