warfarin and Chylothorax

We present a case of right sided chylothorax in the setting of cirrhosis believed to be secondary to extensive venous thromboembolism of the left upper extremity and exacerbated by chylous ascites. Our patient responded to conservative management with anticoagulation and a repeat thoracentesis revealed transformation of the fluid back to straw coloured transudate. We also include a brief discussion of the diagnosis and management of chylothorax.

Topics: Anticoagulants; Arm; Chylothorax; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paracentesis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Venous Thromboembolism; Warfarin

Topics: Anticoagulants; Blood Coagulation; Brachiocephalic Veins; Child; Chylothorax; Computed Tomography Angiography; Heparin; Humans; Male; Nephrotic Syndrome; Treatment Outcome; Venous Thrombosis; Warfarin

Pulmonary manifestations of Behcet's disease are not very common and usually include pulmonary artery aneurysms, central venous thrombosis, pneumonia and pleurisy. Chylothorax secondary to superior vena caval obstruction is a rare complication and has been reported in only a few cases. We report a case of a 24-year-old man presenting with massive chylothorax as the initial presentation of Behcet's disease that was successfully treated conservatively.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anticoagulants; Behcet Syndrome; Chylothorax; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Pleural Effusion; Prednisolone; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome; Warfarin