Chylothorax after Blunt Trauma: Case Report and Review of Literature

Chylothorax is an accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity due to a disruption of the thoracic duct. Traumatic chylothoracies are usually the result of penetrating trauma and disruption of the thoracic duct. Blunt trauma causing a chylothorax is rare but, it should be considered in patients who sustain chest trauma and then develop a pleural effusion as it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.