Chylothorax Secondary to Late-Onset Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abstract

Late-onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia and chylothorax are rarely associated. We reported a 3-month-old male infant who presented with acute respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Computed tomography of his chest showed features of diaphragmatic hernia with pleural effusion. Biochemistry charterers of pleural effusion identified chylothorax. The chylous effusion was drained and the diaphragmatic hernia was repaired by laparoscopic surgery. After surgery, the lung was fully expanded. Chylothorax was cured. In this case, lymphatic obstruction caused by the weight of the herniated bowel loops or by compression of lung may result in increased lymphatic pressure and contribute to the leakage of chyle into the pleural cavity.