Introduction:
Spontaneous chylothorax is a rare medical condition in which
accumulation of chyle-containing lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity
happens with no history of trauma. In general, chylothorax is associated
with significant mortality and morbidity up to 10%.
Chylothorax is defined by the presence of high triglycerides and low
cholesterol level in lymphatic exudative pleural effusion, most of the
times the fluid appears milky on aspiration.1
The aetiology of chylothorax varies from neoplasm to infections like
tuberculosis and many other causes.9
Transient spontaneous chylothorax was reported in few cases and was
suggested to be due to minimal injury to the thoracic duct like sudden
head movement and minimal exercise.10
Here we present a case of young lady who suffered from neck pain and
found to have transient chylothorax without history of trauma.
Our aim is to highlight the importance of this diagnosis and to avoid
extensive testing in mild cases.