Congenital Chylothorax Diagnosed by in Utero Thoracentesis.

Lee, S H; Lee, E H; Cha, K S

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 1999;42(6):1339-1342.
Published online January 1, 2001.

Congenital Chylothorax Diagnosed by in Utero Thoracentesis.

Abstract

Congenital chylothorax is defined as an effusion of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity. In neonate, most unilateral effusion reflects chylous fluid that collect owing to an underlying abnormality in lymphatic duct formation or integrity. This diagnosis is established by aspiration of pleural fluid and either demonstrating chylomicrons after initiating feeds or finding greater than 90% lymphocytes in the fluid. Underlying causes of congenital chylothorax are chromosomal abnormalities, viral infections and intrathoracic structural malformations. The major cause of death in congenital chylothorax is pulmonary hypoplasia as a result of undrained large pleural effusion. The aspiration of fetal hydrothoraxes facilitates neonatal resuscitation if performed immediately before delivery. We experienced one case of congenital chylothorax diagnosed by in utero thoracentesis and so present it with brief review of literature.

Key Words: Chylothorax, Thoracentesis, Pleural effusion