Case Report: Management of idiopathic chylothorax

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Chylothorax is characterized by the presence of chyle, which is rich in triglycerides and chylomicrons in the pleural space resulting from damage of the thoracic ductn Objectives Course Objective Chylothorax is characterized by the presence of chyle in the pleural space and results from lesion or obstruction of the thoracic duct. We present two cases of non-traumatic, idiopathic chylothorax in two females that were treated differently. The first is a 42 year old female who presented with a symptomatic right chylothorax. Treatment by a low-fat diet supplemented with medium chain triglyceride and evacuation of the pleural fluid was sufficient.