MANAGEMENT OF COMPLICATIONS OF CHYLOTHORAX SURGERY

摘要

Chylothorax is due to the accumulation of chyle in the pleural space. Chylomicrons are formed by the absorption of fat from the intestine and are transported to the base of left jugular vein by mesenteric lymphatic vessels, the cisterna chyli, and thethoracic duct. Chylothorax has been associated with heart disease, pericardial disease, trauma, thrombosis of the cranial vena cava, neoplasia in the cranial mediastinum, or heart worm disease. Often chylothorax in dogs is idiopathic because no apparentcause can be identified. Given the poor prognosis associated with idiopathic chylothorax, it is paramount to pursue a complete evaluation including blood work, thoracic and abdominal radiographs, echocardiography, and fluid analysis in an effort to identify a possible underlying etiology. If a suspected cause is identified, then treatment is directed at correcting the underlying cause while managing the effusion with thoracocentesis and/or thoracostomy drainage.