Chylothorax found in a patient with COVID‐19. Issue 2 (22nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Satriano, Francesco; Scioscia, Giulia; Cagnazzo, Maria Grazia; Maci, Federica; Refolo, Leonida; Fuso, Paolo; Gerardi, Emanuele; Grasso, Diego; Soccio, Piera; Lacedonia, Donato
• Is Part Of: Respirology case reports. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-22
• Subjects: chylothorax -- COVID‐19 -- lymphatic system -- thoracentesis -- thrombosis; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.836
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-3380

Abstract

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its clinical spectrum ranges from mild to moderate or severe illness. A 78‐year‐old male was presented at emergency department with dyspnoea, dry cough and severe asthenia. The nasopharyngeal swab by real‐time polymerase chain reaction confirmed a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The x‐ray and the thoracic ultrasound revealed right pleural effusion. A diagnostic‐therapeutic thoracentesis drained fluid identified as chylothorax. Subsequently, the patient underwent a chest computed tomography which showed the radiological hallmarks of COVID‐19 and in the following weeks he underwent a chest magnetic resonance imaging to obtain a better view of mediastinal and lymphatic structures, which showed a partial thrombosis affecting the origin of superior vena cava and the distal tract of the right subclavian vein. For this reason, anticoagulant therapy was optimized and in the following weeks the patient was discharged for clinical and radiological improvement. This case demonstrates chylothorax as a possible and uncommon complication of COVID‐19. Abstract : Here, we report the case of a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia complicated by the onset of chylothorax. Chylothorax is a rare condition that results from thoracic duct damage with chyle leakage from the lymphatic system into the pleural space, usually on the right side. To date, few reports on chylothorax have been detected in COVID‐19 patients. This case demonstrates chylothorax as a possible and uncommon complication of COVID‐19.