Progesterone treatment in chylothorax associated with pulmonary tuberous sclerosis

Abstract

We report the case of a young woman with tuberous sclerosis who developed a chylous pleural effusion after several invasive procedures for treatment of recurring pneumothoraces. Oophorectomy was rejected by the patient and progesterone therapy initiated. Medroxyprogesterone acetate administration led to a complete disappearance of the chylothorax in 8 months. The patient was kept on therapy, and no recurrence of pleural effusion has been observed up to the present (22 months follow-up). However, a progressive deterioration in pulmonary function was observed, with a significant decrease in pulmonary transfer factor and increase in airway obstruction. In conclusion, this report demonstrates an objective benefit of progesterone therapy on chylous effusion associated with pulmonary tuberous sclerosis.