A Case of Transudative Chylothorax: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Chylothorax is a type of pleural effusion characterized by the presence of chyle in the pleural space with triglyceride levels >110 mg/dL or evidence of chylomicrons in pleural fluid. Chylous effusion is typically exudative in nature with lymphocytic predominance. Transudative chylothorax is a rare finding which has been associated with only a limited range of clinical settings. We report a case of idiopathic transudative chylothorax for which the etiological cause could not be identified despite extensive workup and it resolved spontaneously after thoracentesis.