Differential diagnosis of chylothorax in a patient on parenteral nutrition: a case report

Ann Clin Biochem. 2010 Jan;47(Pt 1):84-5. doi: 10.1258/acb.2009.009126. Epub 2009 Nov 25.

Abstract

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is widely used when enteral feeding is contraindicated or not possible in patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, but it is not without complications. We describe the rare complication of PN-related chylothorax that can lead to extensive investigations if not picked up early with clinical suspicion and simple biochemical tests.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chylothorax / diagnosis*
  • Chylothorax / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Duodenal Diseases / complications
  • Duodenal Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation / complications
  • Intestinal Perforation / therapy*
  • Male
  • Parenteral Nutrition / adverse effects*
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis